Reaction to death of Maureen Reagan

Here are statements released Wednesday in reaction to the death of Maureen Reagan, daughter of former President Ronald Reagan.

Former first lady Nancy Reagan

Nancy Reagan was Maureen Reagan's stepmother

"Maureen Reagan has been a special part of my life since I met Ronnie over 50 years ago. Like all fathers and daughters, there was a unique bond between them. Maureen had his gift of communication, his love of politics, and when she believed in a cause, she was not afraid to fight hard for it."

"Maureen was very devoted to her father and during every campaign, especially in 1980 when he was running for President, Maureen was a tireless crusader. Later, when Ronnie asked her to co-chair at the Republican National Committee, she eagerly rolled up her sleeves and dug right in. In the last 15 years, not only did Maureen write a book and run for political office, but she became a passionate advocate and an articulate spokesperson for both Alzheimer's Disease and melanoma."

"Not the least of Maureen's strengths was her devotion to her husband, Dennis, and their daughter, Rita, Maureen was the special spirit that guided them through every part of the day and I cannot imagine the intense grief they are going through right now. Dennis' love for Maureen has been painfully apparent through his devotion and strength in every step of her illness and treatment. My heart breaks for both him and Rita. I hold them close in my thoughts and I pray that God will see them through their pain."

"Ronnie and I loved Maureen very much. We will miss her terribly."

Former President George Bush

Bush served as Ronald Reagan's vice president

"Barbara and I and the entire Bush family send our love and condolences to President and Nancy Reagan and their family, but especially to Maureen's courageous husband Dennis, who stood by her side through this terrible illness.

"Maureen was a devoted and loyal daughter who was a political force in her own right. She fought hard in the political arena, not only for her father, but for her own strongly-held beliefs. The political process needs more women like Maureen Reagan, a woman of conviction and courage."

President George W. Bush

"Laura and I are deeply saddened to learn of Maureen Reagan's death.

Maureen was a devoted, caring daughter and mother. She fought tirelessly to increase funding for Alzheimer's research and raise public awareness of the disease. Our thoughts and prayers are with Maureen's husband, Dennis, their daughter, Rita, and the entire family."

Former Attorney General Edwin Meese III

Meese was attorney general in Ronald Reagan's administration

Maureen Reagan was a friend and an outstanding lady who mirrored many of the best attributes of her father, President Ronald Reagan. She was an outstanding communicator and demonstrated her own unique leadership on behalf of many good causes. Even in her last illness she was courageous in her battle against cancer.

During the Reagan administration she led many delegations to international conferences where she demonstrated her political acumen and rhetorical skills.

During her father's illness, Maureen rendered valued support to him and to Nancy Reagan, and has been a champion of the campaign against Alzheimer's disease.

Ursula and I extend our deepest sympathy to Maureen's husband Dennis and her daughter Rita, as well as to the President and Nancy Reagan. Edwin Meese III