Bakersfield joined the world yesterday in mourning the passing of one of the nation's most influential first ladies, Nancy Reagan.
The love Ronald and Nancy Reagan had for one another captured the hearts of a nation.
The former first lady devoted her life to protecting America’s 40th president and her legacy will linger near and far, especially here in Kern County.
Charlton Heston once described their affair as the greatest love story in the history of American presidency.
Ronald Reagan and his beloved Nancy met in 1949 and by 1952 they were married and the world saw Nancy and Ronnie fiercely devoted to one another.
“She was the perfect model of a supporting and loving wife to the president of the United States of America,” said Dean Haddock, Chairman of the Kern County Republican Party
As Ronald Reagan took office, Nancy was right there, his partner through it all.
But in 2004, Ronald Reagan lost his battle to Alzheimer’s, a disease that Nancy Reagan and her family dedicated their lives to fighting against.
In October of 2013 Ronald’s son, Michael, spoke at an Alzheimer’s event in Bakersfield on behalf of his father.
The Alzheimer’s Disease Association of Kern County says Michael spoke highly of his step-mom.
Long after the death of her husband, Nancy continued to fight against the disease and move mountains in the political world.
Today president Obama ordered flags to fly at half-staff in honor of the former first lady
Reagan will be laid to rest Friday at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library alongside her husband.
