Michael Reagan, Ronald Reagan's Adopted Son, dies at 80

Michael Reagan, the adopted son of former US President Ronald Reagan, has died at the age of 80. Here's a complete profile of the conservative political commentator.

Michael Reagan, Ronald Reagan's Adopted Son, dies at 80
Enlarge
Michael Reagan, the adopted son of former US President Ronald Reagan, has died at the age of 80. Here's a complete profile of the conservative political commentator.

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Michael Reagan, the adopted son of former US President Ronald Reagan passed away on January 4, 2026, at the age of 80.

This sad news was officially announced by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute on January 6, 2026, leaving his family and admirers in deep sorrow.

Michael Reagan passed away in Los Angeles, surrounded by his beloved family.

Initially, the cause of his death was not immediately announced to the public, but it was later revealed that he died of cancer.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute paid tribute, calling Michael a "devoted guardian of his father's legacy."

They also stated that Michael Reagan lived a life shaped by faith, purpose, and unwavering devotion to the ideals of President Ronald Reagan.

The Passing of Michael Reagan: Keeper of Ronald Reagan's Legacy

Michael Edward Reagan, born John Charles Flaugher on March 18, 1945, passed away on January 4, 2026, at the age of 80.

His death, which happened in Los Angeles, left his family and followers deeply saddened.

His wife, Colleen, and their children, Cameron and Ashley, requested privacy during this time of mourning.

The sad news was confirmed in a family statement released on Sunday, January 6, 2026.

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute also offered condolences, highlighting Michael's role as a conservative political commentator, Republican strategist, and influential radio talk show host.

The statement from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute further noted that Michael Reagan was a man whose life was shaped by unwavering faith, purpose, and devotion.

Michael Reagan: From John Charles Flaugher to Political Commentator

Michael Edward Reagan was born John Charles Flaugher on March 18, 1945, at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.

He was the biological son of Essie Irene Flaugher and John Bourgholtzer.

Hours after his birth, he was adopted by Ronald Reagan and his first wife, actress Jane Wyman.

Michael attended Loyola High School and Judson School, before attending Arizona State University and Los Angeles Valley College.

He had small roles in films and television shows, including "Falcon Crest," starring his adoptive mother, Jane Wyman.

However, Michael Reagan is best known as a conservative political commentator and radio talk show host.

He spent nearly two decades hosting the nationally televised conservative radio show, "The Michael Reagan Show."

He also contributed to the conservative television network Newsmax.

Michael Reagan was also a prolific author, with several books to his credit, including the autobiography "Michael Reagan: On the Outside Looking In" (1988), "Twice Adopted" (2004), "Lessons My Father Taught Me" (2016), and "The New Reagan Revolution" (2011).

Beyond his professional career, Michael Reagan was active in various charitable and public service activities.

He raised funds through powerboat racing for organizations such as the United States Olympic Team, Cystic Fibrosis, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, and the Statue of Liberty Restoration Fund.

He also served as chairman and president of The Reagan Legacy Foundation.

In his personal life, he married Pamela Gail Putnam in 1971 and divorced in 1972.

He then married Colleen Sterns in 1975, with whom he had two children, Cameron and Ashley. Michael Reagan also made public headlines in 2011 when he criticized his adopted brother, Ron Reagan, over speculation about his father's health.

Ronald Reagan: 40th President of the United States

Ronald Wilson Reagan is one of the most influential figures in American political history, serving as the 40th President from 1981 to 1989.

He was born on February 6, 1911, in Tampico, Illinois, USA, to Nelle Clyde Wilson and John Edward "Jack" Reagan.

Reagan attended Eureka College and graduated in 1932 with a degree in economics and sociology.

Before entering politics, Ronald Reagan was known as a Hollywood actor, starred in more than 50 films since the late 1930s and served twice as president of the Screen Actors Guild.

He began his political career as a Democrat, but later switched to the Republican Party, a transition that marked a new direction in his life.

In 1966, Ronald Reagan was elected Governor of California and served two terms.

His political career reached its peak in 1980 when he won the Republican presidential nomination, defeating President Jimmy Carter.

During his two terms in office, he was known for his "Reaganomics" economic policies and his role in ending the Cold War.In his personal life, Ronald Reagan was married twice.

From his first marriage to actress Jane Wyman, he had two children, Maureen and Michael. Maureen died in 2001.

Then, in 1952, he married Nancy Davis, also an actress, and they had two children, Patricia Ann and Ronald Prescott.

Ronald Reagan died in June 2004 at the age of 93, after battling Alzheimer's disease for many years.