The apple didn’t fall far from the tree, and for Michael Reagan, that was a good thing, though ironic, since he was the only adopted child in the family. It would have been difficult to live in the shadow of such a great man as President Ronald Reagan, maybe even more so for his children. Michael didn’t seem to be phased by it, though. In fact, he embraced it and continued his father’s legacy of fighting the battle for Liberty out of his love for his country. The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute went so far as to call Michael a “steadfast guardian” of his father’s legacy.

Michael Edward Reagan was born on March 18, 1945, in Los Angeles and was adopted at birth by the former President Reagan and his first wife, Jane Wyman, an Oscar-winning actress. He died Sunday at the age of 80 following a battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Colleen and two children.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Edward Reagan,” his family said in a statement. “Michael was and will always remain a beloved husband, father, and grandpa. Michael was called home to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 4th, surrounded by his entire family in Los Angeles, California. Our hearts are deeply broken as we grieve the loss of a man who meant so much to all who knew and loved him.”

After a short acting stint similar to his siblings, Michael became a radio talk show host. On “The Michael Reagan Show,” he would speak about conservative political issues. It aired for nearly two decades, becoming a syndicated talk radio program that brought in five million listeners. His presence in politics as a commentator and strategist continued after he ended his radio show, not only as a speaker, but also as a contributor to conservative news outlets like The Patriot Post.

Michael was heavily involved with supporting his father’s presidential library and his nonprofit, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. The Foundation expressed “profound loss” and mourning at his passing: “Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by conviction, purpose, and an abiding devotion to President Reagan’s ideals. … [His] presence, warmth, and unwavering commitment will be deeply missed at the Reagan Library and far beyond its walls.”

In the vein of holding his own in the massive shadow of his father, he honored his father by founding the Reagan Legacy Foundation, which focuses on supporting veterans and their families. Michael’s foundation honors President Reagan’s commitment to military service through initiatives such as the USS Ronald Reagan Scholarship program and the Walkway to Victory Memorial in France.

Like Charlie Kirk, Michael knew the importance of reaching and encouraging America’s young conservatives, which is why he frequently worked with the Young America’s Foundation. The Reagan Ranch and Center are the most impactful conservative sites on the West Coast, which is why YAF launched its first middle school program at the Reagan Ranch in 2022, expanding its reach to even younger audiences. “We lost an American hero, a faithful son, and a devoted father and grandfather this week,” Andrew Coffin, vice president and director of the Reagan Ranch, wrote in a statement, which the Young America’s Foundation posted on its website.

Douglas Elmets, a communications consultant in Sacramento who worked in the Reagan White House, described Michael’s ability to be himself. “He had his own family and mission, and unlike many relatives of presidents, he didn’t try to latch on or take advantage,” Elmets said. “But he would take phone calls and respond to emails from people I don’t think he knew well just because he was the president’s son, to carry on that legacy.” Elmets relayed that in 2015, through Michael’s influence and tireless work, they raised enough private donations to fund the installation of a bronze statue of Ronald Reagan in the state capitol of Sacramento, which has since become a popular attraction. Elmets elucidated, “At his core, he was both a member of that family, but also someone whose own name carried weight.”

As the Reagan Legacy Foundation site states, Michael Reagan said he was most proud of his father’s “steadfast dedication to individual liberty and global democracy and the positive impact these values had upon our nation and our world.” The fact that Michael continued to carry his father’s torch of Liberty as a “steadfast guardian” is a testimony to his strength of character and love for his country. May he rest in peace.