Ronnie and Nancy Reagan's Marriage

"I admire his integrity, his courage, his honesty, his steadfastness." If only more women would select men for their virtues. "Being in love" and "excellent combined income potential" are insufficient grounds for marriage.

LA Times, March 3, 1989

"The Reagans' rustic weekends at Camp David, adjusting to life outside of Washington and other inquiries about domesticity were among the questions asked by about 350 members of the Music Center support group that had gathered at the Mark Taper Forum in the morning.

And while she handled the personal inquiries smoothly, Mrs. Reagan was thrown by the last question: What characteristics do you most admire in your husband?

"Just a minute!" boomed a voice off stage, and out strode Ronald Reagan, totally surprising his wife and bringing the audience to its feet.

"There are some things I don't tell you," he teased, as Nancy greeted him with a kiss.

"I just want to thank you for recognizing Nancy," he said. "I don't know of anyone who's more deserving of it. Being married to Nancy is like a dream come true, my adolescent boy's dream of what marriage should really be like. As a matter of fact, I have to tell you she just goes into the next room and I find myself missing her."

That last sentimental anecdote drew a chorus of "Awwwwwws" and a round of applause.

...And what does she admire about her husband?

"His ability to surprise me," she said. "Seriously, I admire his integrity, his courage, his honesty, his steadfastness. I admire everything he did during the eight years, and before. And I'm glad he misses me when I'm in the next room."