Obituaries
Nancy Reagan's Funeral: Family, Friends, Nation Mourn Iconic First Lady
The nation will mourn the loss of First Lady Nancy Reagan at a 11 a.m. today at the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum.
About 1,000 dignitaries and celebrities are expected to attend the funeral of former first lady Nancy Reagan in Simi Valley today.
Reagan, who died in her sleep at 94 Sunday, will be laid to rest at 11 a.m. at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum next to her husband.
Find out what's happening in Murrietafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The funeral, which is limited to an eclectic guest-list compiled by the former first lady, will be streamed live atwww.youtube.com/reaganfoundation.
The solemn affair, reflects the last wishes of the first lady, who planned her own funeral from designating pallbearers to specifying her burial location within inches of the man with whom she shared a five-decade love story.
Find out what's happening in Murrietafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
She also selected the opening song for the funeral service, "Battle Hymn of the Republic," a favorite of the nation's 40th president. The 1st Marine Division Band from Camp Pendleton and Santa Susana High School Advanced Women's Choir will perform for the mourners.
Vicar of the Washington National Cathedral, TheRev. Stuart A. Kenworthy, will preside over the service, which will feature readings by Nancy Reagan's niece and nephew -- Anne Peterson and Barton Hegeler -- and her brother, Richard Davis.
A letter that Ronald Reagan wrote to his wife will be read by Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Broadcaster Diane Sawyer will read a section from the Gospel of John while Secretary of State James Baker, broadcaster Tom Brokaw and Nancy Reagan's children, Patti Davis and Ronald Prescott Reagan will deliver eulogies.
Opera soprano Ana Marie Martinez will sing a selection from a requiem.
In Attendance will be presidential families:
- Mrs. Barack Obama
- President and Mrs. George W. Bush
- Mrs. Bill Clinton
- Mrs. Jimmy Carter
- Caroline Kennedy
- Tricia Nixon Cox
- Lynda Johnson
- Luci Baines Johnson
- Steven Ford
Current and Former Politicians:
- Governor Jerry Brown
- Ms. Nancy Pelosi
- Right Honourable Brian Mulroney
- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Newt and Callista Gingrich
- Michael Antonovich
Media/Celebrities
- Tom Brokaw
- Katie Couric
- Bo Derek
- Sam Donaldson
- Anjelica Huston
- Larry King
- Mike Love
- Chris Matthews
- Wayne Newton
- Melissa Rivers
- Diane Sawyer
- Tom Selleck
- Tina Sinatra
- Gary Sinise
- Yakov Smirnoff
- John Stamos
- Mr. T
Related Stories:
- Nancy Reagan, Former First Lady, Dies at 94
- Nancy Reagan and the Agent Who Took a Bullet for Her Husband Shared Special Bond
- Nancy Reagan Remembered as 'Loyal,' 'Influential'
- Nancy Reagan's Funeral: Heads of State, Journalists and Celebrities to Honor Iconic First Lady
- Nancy Reagan's Funeral Draws Eclectic Celebrity Guest List
- UPDATE: Nancy Reagan's Family Gather for Private Memorial in Santa Monica Before Motorcade to Simi Valley
- Nancy Reagan Funeral Arrangements Announced
- Nancy Reagan: Californians Remember First Lady of Grace and Steel
- UPDATED: Nancy Reagan Motorcade Arrives at Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Photo Credit: The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum, City News Service contributed to this report.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.