As news of the death of former first lady Nancy Reagan continues to break, several notable personalities have begun to pay tribute via social media. Reagan is obviously a target for plenty of leading Conservative voices, especially those running for president:
I am saddened by the passing of my step mother Nancy Reagan…She is once again with the man she loved.God Bless…
…— Michael Reagan (@ReaganWorld) March 6, 2016
Nancy Reagan, the wife of a truly great President, was an amazing woman. She will be missed!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 6, 2016
Nancy Reagan will be remembered for her deep passion for this nation and love for her husband, Ronald. The Reagan family is in our prayers.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) March 6, 2016
My statement on the passing of Nancy Reagan. pic.twitter.com/5ZHXpKGzZB
— Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) March 6, 2016
RIP Nancy Reagan pic.twitter.com/ywPC9wJBnj
— Dan Scavino Jr.🇺🇸🦅 (@DanScavino) March 6, 2016
Romney on Nancy Reagan's death. pic.twitter.com/njhqi7d0hX
— Gideon Resnick (@GideonResnick) March 6, 2016
Why can't Nancy Reagan be praised honestly, as a woman who loved and supported her consequential husband– without giving her a policy role?
— Ann Coulter (@AnnCoulter) March 6, 2016
Nancy Reagan a true hero in the last days of the president's life. Always fiercely protective of him. Superb role model in later years -BO'R
— Bill O'Reilly (@BillOReilly) March 6, 2016
.@GeorgeWill: "[Ronald Reagan] would not have changed the world had he not been well-married." #NancyReagan pic.twitter.com/5BmqwQl0FK
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 6, 2016
Former President George W. Bush responds to the passing of #NancyReagan. pic.twitter.com/qzJnmsFlFr
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 6, 2016
Former First Lady Barbara Bush's statement on the passing of #NancyReagan. pic.twitter.com/d0lXerlPpU
— Fox News (@FoxNews) March 6, 2016
We're saddened by the loss of Nancy Reagan. In her honor, here's a pic of her w/ Space Shuttle Columbia in July 1982 pic.twitter.com/E8p8SPwoOZ
— NASA (@NASA) March 6, 2016
Many in the media also signed on to pay their respects online, noting the positive side of her legacy and giving their thoughts to her family.
Nancy Reagan and Mr. T. pic.twitter.com/SwjQNBbvlZ
— Jack Shafer (@jackshafer) March 6, 2016
My thoughts & prayers are with Nancy Reagan's family and friends. Very sad to learn of her passing.
— Chelsea Clinton (@ChelseaClinton) March 6, 2016
RIP Nancy Reagan pic.twitter.com/s6ehPgboaQ
— Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) March 6, 2016
Nancy Reagan (1921-2016): pic.twitter.com/Pr5BTxnSvc
— Michael Beschloss (@BeschlossDC) March 6, 2016
Nancy Reagan was one of my heroes. She served as First Lady with unbelievable power, class and grace and left her mark on the world. (1/2)
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) March 6, 2016
She's with her Ronnie now, but those of us she left behind will miss her dearly. (2/2)
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) March 6, 2016
I sat near #Nancy Reagan once and felt like a teenager seeing one of my idols. She was a BOSS. #RIPNancy
— Elizabeth Banks ❄️ (@ElizabethBanks) March 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/longwall26/status/706525152486379523
If I were writing the reaction to Nancy Reagan's death as a scene, I'd have to invent a character who tells everyone to be more respectful.
— John Levenstein (@johnlevenstein) March 6, 2016
But many others also took the moment to highlight that nobody is perfect, even in death. And Nancy Regan clearly had some heft skeletons in her closet from her time as First Lady:
https://twitter.com/goldietaylor/status/706533940476125184
Another thing Nancy Reagan just said "NO" to, was helping people dying of AIDS. Anyway, here she is with ALF. pic.twitter.com/lThPlOGccV
— Jake Fogelnest (@jakefogelnest) March 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/DesiJed/status/706538218888368128
https://twitter.com/Bro_Pair/status/706539585656913921
Now that Scalia and Nancy Reagan are dead, I'm worried about Ted Nugent.
— Matt Goldich (@MattGoldich) March 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/luckyyates/status/706540548379820032
I've decided to be as quiet about Nancy Reagan's death as she and her husband were about all the deaths from aids during his administration.
— Frank Conniff (@FrankConniff) March 6, 2016
https://twitter.com/imchriskelly/status/706547408923172869
A mixed bag of reactions is certainly understandable, especially given the divisive nature of politics at this point. The thing to remember is that she certainly had an effect on the nation, separate from and alongside her husband. And also remember that nobody is perfect, especially when it comes to working in politics. Knowing all sides is better than being fed one side or the other.