Key Facts on Linda Reagan’s Death
Linda Reagan, the first wife of President Ronald Reagan, died on July 25, 2011, at age 88. The publicly reported cause of death was congestive heart failure. She had been in declining health for some time and passed away at her home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, with family members present. This overview consolidates verified details, context about her later years, and common questions while distinguishing between confirmed information and speculation.
Identity and Relationship Context
Linda Louise Reagan (née Sparks) was born on July 5, 1923. She married Ronald Reagan in 1940 and was the mother of his two children, Maureen Reagan and Christine Reagan. The couple divorced in 1949. Linda did not remry and maintained a relatively private public presence after the marriage ended. Her relationship with Ronald Reagan remained a notable part of his personal narrative, though she was not active in his political life after the divorce.
Timeline and Final Years
In the years leading up to her death, Linda Reagan lived with family and received care as her health declined. Public reports indicated she was frail and had limited mobility in her later months. After her passing in 2011, her death certificate listed congestive heart failure as the immediate cause. There were no indications of accidents, external injuries, or acute intervening events in widely available official summaries.
Reported Medical Circumstances
According to records cited by county officials, congestive heart failure resulted from a combination of age-related cardiovascular conditions. No controversies or unusual circumstances were noted in the death investigation. Family statements emphasized her long battle with poor health rather than any sudden or traumatic event.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Linda Louise Reagan (née Sparks) | Public records |
| Date of Death | July 25, 2011 | Obituary / Death certificate |
| Location | Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA | Local reports |
| Age at Death | 88 years old | Obituary |
| Immediate Cause of Death | Congestive heart failure | Coroner / Medical records |
| Marital History | First marriage to Ronald Reagan (1940–1949) | Biographical records |
| Children with Ronald Reagan | Maureen Reagan, Christine Reagan | Official biographies |
Common Misconceptions and Clarifications
Because Linda Reagan’s death occurred years after her public prominence, some confusion exists about the details. Some speculate about undisclosed circumstances, but official records consistently point to natural causes related to heart failure. Rumors regarding alternative causes are not supported by coroner reports, news documentation, or statements from family representatives.
Family Statements and Privacy
Family members, including her children from the marriage with Ronald Reagan, requested privacy during her final months. After her death, they released brief statements noting her dignity in facing long illness. These statements underscore that her death was expected in the context of her prolonged health challenges, and no foul play or external factors were suggested.
Legacy and Public Memory
Linda Reagan is remembered primarily as Ronald Reagan’s first wife and the mother of his two children. Unlike figures with extensive public careers, she did not maintain a public platform. Historical assessments of Ronald Reagan often mention her as part of his personal story, but her own public footprint remained limited. Her death in 2011 drew modest, respectful coverage focused on family loss and the natural conclusion of a long life.
Summary and Reliable Sources
Linda Reagan died of congestive heart failure at age 88 in July 2011. The death occurred at her home in Bel Air under family care, with no unusual or disputed elements in the official account. Reliable reporting from that time and subsequent record checks corroborate a straightforward explanation consistent with age-related health decline. Anyone seeking further detail can consult county death records, contemporary obituaries, and verified biographies that document her life and passing without sensationalism.