Mr. T, Wayne Newton among celebrities to attend Nancy Reagan funeral
1/21
American actor and future president Ronald Reagan (1911 - 2004) sits with his wife, actress Nancy Reagan, as the par talk with fellow actor and future US Senator George Murphy (1902 - 1992) at the premiere of ‘High Society,’ July 1956. (Photo by Pictorial Parade/Getty Images) (Pictorial Parade / Getty Images)
2/21
Nancy and Ronald Reagan, with running mate George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, are cheered by delegates at the Republican National Convention in July 1980. “Reagan knew where he wanted to go, but she had a better sense of what he needed to do to get there,” biographer Lou Cannon said of Nancy Reagan. (Joe Kennedy / Los Angeles Times)
3/21
The Reagans attend a 1980 reception in their honor in Los Angeles with Los Angeles Times Publisher Otis Chandler and his mother, Dorothy. (Lennox McClendon / Associated Press)
4/21
The Reagans prepare to return to Washington from Point Mugu Naval Air Station after a Memorial Day vacation in California in 1981. (Joe Kennedy / Los Angeles Times)
5/21
The Reagans with music legend Ray Charles at a musical salute in Washington in March 1983. (Ira Schwartz / Associated Press)
6/21
Nancy Reagan holds Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping’s hand during a 1984 visit to Beijing. The first lady took an active role in advising President Reagan on policy matters. (Scott Stewart / Associated Press)
7/21
The president and first lady visit the terra cotta soldiers archeological site during their 1984 China trip. (Bob Daugherty / Associated Press)
8/21
The Reagans walk through Normandy American Cemetery above Omaha Beach in northern France on June 6, 1984, the 40th anniversary of the D-day invasion. (Bob Daugherty / Associated Press)
9/21
President Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan at a New Orleans luncheon in August 1988. (Mike Sargent / AFP/Getty Images)
10/21
The former president and first lady arrive for the premiere of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Sunset Boulevard” in Los Angeles in December 1993. (Chris Martinez / Associated Press)
11/21
Nancy Reagan with stepdaughter Maureen at the 2000 Republican National Convention in Philadelphia, a year before Maureen’s death from skin cancer. (Hillery Garrison Smith / Associated Press)
12/21
The former first lady lays her cheek on Ronald Reagan’s casket after his death in 2004. His Alzheimer’s diagnosis led her to become an advocate for stem cell research and hastened a reconciliation between her and her children. (Bryan Chan / Los Angeles Times)
13/21
Nancy Reagan with President George W. Bush in 2005 at an Air Force One exhibit at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
14/21
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver, with Nancy Reagan at a ceremony commemorating the 40th anniversary of Ronald Reagan’s first gubernatorial win. (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)
15/21
The First Lady’s in front of the Red Dress display. First Lady Laura Bush and former First Lady Nancy Reagan participated in the Heart Truth Roundtable at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley on Wednesday, February 28, 2007. Later they visited students at Balboa Magnet School in Northridge who are part of a National Park Service program. (Stephen Osman / Los Angeles Times)
16/21
Nancy Reagan poses with the 2008 Republican presidential candidates after their May 2007 debate at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. (Robert A. Reeder / Associated Press)
17/21
Vice President Dick Cheney escorts the former first lady at a white-tie dinner for Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II at the White House in May 2007. (Pool / Getty Images)
18/21
In May 2007, Nancy Reagan holds a copy of the newly released “Reagan Diaries,” which chronicles her husband’s two terms in the White House. (Stephen Osman / Los Angeles Times)
19/21
Nancy Reagan is joined by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Assemblyman Martin Garrick (R-Carlsbad), left, at a signing ceremony for two bills honoring her late husband at the Reagan library in Simi Valley. (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)
20/21
Nancy Reagan is helped by Marine Lt. Gen. George J. Flynn as she arrives for a wreath-laying ceremony at her husband’s memorial at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
21/21
Nancy Reagan after a GOP presidential debate at the Reagan Presidential Library. (Paul Buck / EPA)
Las Vegas entertainer Wayne Newton, ‘80s TV icon Mr. T and other celebrities will join First Lady Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton at Nancy Reagan’s private funeral Friday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
Among those scheduled to attend include newsman Sam Donaldson, Katie Couric, Chris Mathews, actress Anjelica Huston and talk show host Melissa Rivers.
In a talk Tuesday, Michelle Obama paid tribute to Reagan, saying she “reminded us of the importance of women’s leadership.” She said Reagan offered helpful advice when she became first lady.
Advertisement
Reagan, 94, died Sunday of congestive heart failure at her home in Bel-Air.
1/52
Ron Reagan, second from left, and his sister, Patti Davis, pause at their mother Nancy Reagan’s casket at her gravesite at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
2/52
Mourners and family members pause at Nancy Reagan’s gravesite at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
3/52
Former U.S. Secretary of State George Shultz and his wife, Charlotte Mailliard Swig, reach out to touch Nancy Reagan’s casket during her funeral service at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
4/52
From left, California Gov. Jerry Brown, First Lady Michelle Obama, former First Lady Laura Bush and former President George W. Bush wait to pay their respects at Nancy Reagan’s gravesite at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
5/52
Ron Reagan hugs a mourner as his sister, Patti Davis, left, looks on during funeral services for their mother, Nancy Reagan, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
6/52
Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter pauses at Nancy Reagan’s casket at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
7/52
Former Chief of Staff James Baker, right, and his wife, Susan, wait to pay their respects during funeral services for former First Lady Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
8/52
A military honor guard places Nancy Reagan’s casket at her gravesite at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
9/52
Ron Reagan, left, greets mourners at his mother Nancy Reagan’s funeral at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
10/52
Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney pauses at Nancy Reagan’s casket at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
11/52
A bagpipe player plays “Amazing Grace” as a military honor guard carries Nancy Reagan’s casket to her gravesite at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
12/52
A military honor guard carries Nancy Reagan’s casket to her gravesite at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
13/52
Ron Reagan speaks at the funeral of his mother and former First Lady Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
14/52
Diane Sawyer speaks at the funeral of former First Lady Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
15/52
Daughter Patti Davis speaks at the funeral of her mother and former First Lady Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
16/52
Journalist Tom Brokaw offers reflections during funeral services for former First Lady Nancy Reagan.
(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
17/52
Former Secretary of State James Baker speaks at the funeral of former First Lady Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
18/52
Pallbearers carry the casket of former First Lady Nancy Reagan into her funeral service at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times )
19/52
First Lady Michelle Obama, center, arrives with former President George Bush, right, and his wife, Laura Bush, second from right, and Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown, second from left, for the funeral services for former First Lady Nancy Reagan.
(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times )
20/52
Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney reads a letter from Ronald Reagan to Nancy Reagan during the funeral service for former First Lady Nancy Reagan.
(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
21/52
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger arrives for the funeral of former First Lady Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
22/52
Actors Mr. T, left, and Gary Sinise arrive for the funeral of former First Lady Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)
23/52
Steven Leslie prays in front of the casket of Nancy Reagan at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
24/52
A line circles around the casket of Nancy Reagan at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
25/52
Kimberly Leif, of Simi Valley, cries in front of the casket of Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
26/52
People pay their respects in front of the casket of former First Lady Nancy Reagan at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley Wednesday.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
27/52
A man prays in front of the casket of former First Lady Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
28/52
People pay their respects to former First Lady Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
29/52
The casket of former First Lady Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
30/52
Nancy Reagan’s casket is framed by a statue of former President Ronald Reagan at the presidential library in Simi Valley.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
31/52
Nancy Reagan’s casket at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)
32/52
A woman wipes a tear away as she pauses beside the casket of Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
33/52
Stella Delgado, left, and her mother Yoko Santos pause as they pay their respects beside the casket of Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
34/52
Flowers are placed on the casket of Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
35/52
House Speaker Paul Ryan stands near the casket of Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
36/52
Library volunteers pause as they pay their respects beside the casket of Nancy Reagan at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
37/52
The casket carrying Nancy Reagan arrives at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
38/52
A motorcade carrying the body of former First Lady Nancy Reagan arrives at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
39/52
Flowers are placed at the entrance to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library as people wait for the motorcade bringing Nancy Reagan’s body to lie in repose.
(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
40/52
Flags and flowers are placed at the entrance to the Ronal Reagan Presidential Library as people wait for the motorcade bringing Nancy Reagan’s body to lie in repose.
(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
41/52
A woman takes a selfie at the entrance to the Ronal Reagan Presidential Library waiting for the motorcade bringing Nancy Reagan’s body to lie in repose.
(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)
42/52
The Rev. Ken Worthy Stuart, Vicar of the Washington National Cathedral, gives the final blessing after the casket carrying the former first lady Nancy Reagan was loaded into a hearse at a mortuary in Santa Monica, Calif.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
43/52
A motorcade carrying the mortal remains of former First Lady Nancy Reagan travels from Santa Monica to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(ROBYN BECK / AFP/Getty Images)
44/52
Firefighters salute as the hearse carrying the body of Nancy Reagan makes its way to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
(MARK J. TERRILL / Associated Press)
45/52
Rachel Handy carries an American flag after watching the motorcade escorting the body of former first lady Nancy Reagan pass by on the Ronald Reagan Freeway en route to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
(David McNew / Getty Images)
46/52
Firefighters salute as the hearse carrying the body of Nancy Reagan makes its way to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
47/52
The casket carrying the former first lady Nancy Reagan leaves a small ceremony at a mortuary in Santa Monica, Calif.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
48/52
Family members watch as the casket carrying the former first lady Nancy Reagan leaves a small ceremony at a mortuary in Santa Monica, Calif.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
49/52
The casket carrying former First Lady Nancy Reagan leaves a mortuary in Santa Monica after a small ceremony en route to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
50/52
Mourners arrive at the Santa Monica mortuary where a small ceremony for former First Lady Nancy Reagan was held Wednesday.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
51/52
A police officer stands guard outside a mortuary where a small ceremony for former Frst Lady Nancy Reagan was held Wednesday.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
52/52
Flowers and flags decorate a fountain outside the mortuary where a small ceremony for former First Lady Nancy Reagan was held Wednesday in Santa Monica.
(Jae C. Hong / Associated Press)
When the library was built, the Reagans decided they wanted to be buried together on the west side of the property, facing the Pacific Ocean, said Melissa Giller, a spokeswoman for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library.
“They had such a true love affair,” Giller said. “She’s missed him since the day he passed, and I’m sure they are quite happy to be together again.”
Advertisement
The funeral procession is being planned based on the former first lady’s wishes, including her choice of the people to be invited, the readings to be given and the people involved in the program, Giller said.
About 1,000 people will be invited, including President Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama and former presidents, first ladies, heads of state and other dignitaries, she said.
The library also announced that the public will have a chance to pay their last respects before the funeral on Wednesday from 1 to 7 p.m. and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parking on-site will not be allowed, but shuttles will be provided from 400 National Way.
Advertisement
There will be enhanced security during this period at the library, Giller said. No large bags, cameras or strollers will be allowed, and all bags will be inspected. Gifts and flowers will be accepted at the bottom of Presidential Drive and at the shuttle pickup location.
In lieu of flowers, Reagan asked that contributions be made to the Ronald Reagan Memorial Fund at reaganlibrary.com.
Giller said the former first lady used to visit the library six to 10 times a year. She visited every June on the anniversary of her husband’s death, Giller said.
She was very involved with the library as a member of the board and was “instrumental” in bringing the Air Force One exhibit and, more recently, the September presidential debate, to the library, which helped raise its national profile, Giller said.
“Ten to 15 years ago, the Reagan library had a much smaller imprint on our nation,” Giller said. “Without her, we wouldn’t have been able to do all the things that we have achieved so far.”
Taylor Goldenstein is a former reporter with the Los Angeles Times Data Desk. She has previously written for the Chicago Tribune, Tampa Bay Times and the Arizona Republic, among other publications. In early 2014, she was a visiting fellow at the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard. Originally from a suburb of Chicago and a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, she now looks forward to checking weather apps. She left The Times in 2016.
