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I Love You, Ronnie: The Letters of Ronald Reagan to Nancy Reagan
No matter what else was going on in his life or where he was—travelling to make movies for G.E., in the California governor's office, at the White House, or on Air Force One, and sometimes even from across the room—Ronald Reagan wrote letters to Nancy Reagan, to express his love, thoughts, and feelings, and to stay in touch. Through letters and reflections, the characters, personalities, and private lives of a president and his first lady are revealed. Nancy Reagan comments on the letters and writes with love and insight about her husband and the many phases of their life together.
189 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
94 people are currently reading
1782 people want to read
About the author
Nancy Reagan
26 books18 followersNancy Davis Reagan was born Anne Frances Robbins. She was an American actress and the wife of the 40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan. She was the First Lady of the United States from 1981 to 1989.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
August 30, 2021
4 stars. It is Ronald and Nancy's world, and we are just living in it.
I blame my bestfriend, Denise, for this one. She has been going on and on about Ronald & Nancy's love story for a week now and she recommended this book to me so I read it.
Their love story is one for the ages. I never knew how love could be like until I read this book and it blows my mind that this is real, that this is what it is to love somebody and to have that somebody love you back in all the best ways.
If there is true love in this world, it would be what they had.
Ronald Reagan may be one of the least famous Presidents (as assumed through the lens of someone who isn't American) but his love story is truly one for the books. It is so clear from this book, how dedicated they were to each other. Reading his letters really gives such a real sense of how he was like as a husband. I'm sure he wasn't the perfect President but man, was he the perfect husband.
Reading the letters made me feel like the entire world around me has dissolved, leaving only Nancy and Ronald behind.
I definitely cried. This was so beautiful and I recommend it to everybody, even if you don't particularly care for Presidents, I assure you, you will love this book. It's something you have to remind you that you should never settle for less.
Let me end this book with an excerpt from a Christmas letter Ronald Reagan wrote to Nancy Reagan more than 19 YEARS after getting married.
“I just see you in all the beauty there is because in you I’ve found all the beauty in my life.”
I blame my bestfriend, Denise, for this one. She has been going on and on about Ronald & Nancy's love story for a week now and she recommended this book to me so I read it.
Their love story is one for the ages. I never knew how love could be like until I read this book and it blows my mind that this is real, that this is what it is to love somebody and to have that somebody love you back in all the best ways.
If there is true love in this world, it would be what they had.
Ronald Reagan may be one of the least famous Presidents (as assumed through the lens of someone who isn't American) but his love story is truly one for the books. It is so clear from this book, how dedicated they were to each other. Reading his letters really gives such a real sense of how he was like as a husband. I'm sure he wasn't the perfect President but man, was he the perfect husband.
Reading the letters made me feel like the entire world around me has dissolved, leaving only Nancy and Ronald behind.
I definitely cried. This was so beautiful and I recommend it to everybody, even if you don't particularly care for Presidents, I assure you, you will love this book. It's something you have to remind you that you should never settle for less.
Let me end this book with an excerpt from a Christmas letter Ronald Reagan wrote to Nancy Reagan more than 19 YEARS after getting married.
“Your gift to me is uninsurable. No appraiser can put a value on it. How would he figure the market value of feeling a tingle of excitement and anticipation every time I start for home? Or the way I can’t help but walk fast when I get there, hurrying for the first sight of you? Just waking up becomes a warm glow because you are there—just as the whole house is haunted when you aren’t."
January 1, 2016
This book is a phenomenal, personal look into Nancy and Ronald Reagan's marriage/life. What a beautiful life they had... it actually made me cry a few times. This is definitely a new favorite.
July 4, 2017
"I live in a permanent Christmas because God gave me you." - Ronald Reagan to Nancy
This compilation of letters, telegrams, and cards (including some wonderful "doodling") from the actor, then governor, and finally 40th president, to his wife Nancy over the course of their 52 years of marriage, reveals a gentle romantic with a sweet sense of humor. A man who was both reflective and creative, his many letters over dozens of years show fresh imagination with each one.
"By now you must have figured out that I'm hinting, I love you more than anything in the whole, wide world. I'm running for reelection as your own totally dedicated husband." As Nancy observes, Reagan was a man who wasn't complex, but who was very private. Clearly, he was not only fully devoted to his wife, but he leaned on her over the many years of travel, campaigning, and leading the state of California, and then the Free World.
The letters also reveal a man of deep faith: "I have to write this because of all our talks about flying in because you try to take the blame personally if ever something did happen. That would be wrong. God has a plan and it isn't for us to understand, only to know that he has his reasons and because he's all merciful and all loving we can depend on it that there is purpose in whatever he does and it is for own good. But you must understand without any question or doubt is that I believe this and trust him and you must, too."
Reagan is my most beloved president, and while I was only a little kid while he was in office, I can still remember watching his speeches on the little television my mom sometimes moved to the kitchen while she cooked. After mourning with millions of Americans the week following his death, I drove to D.C. in 2004 and glimpsed his flag-draped casket being carried from the Capitol.
Something else of his nature comes through these wonderful compilations: Reagan reminds me of my own beloved grandfather, a personal hero of mine. This past Christmas, I had the singular joy of reading through several letters my grandpa wrote to my grandmother during World War II - WITH my grandfather (100 years old) - and the winsome reflections and yearning for his wife and family were very much like Reagan's.
Also included in this book are some wonderful photographs, as well as some portions of timeless speeches:
"You just stay in there, and you stay there with the same beliefs in the same faith that make you do what you're doing here. The individuals on the stage may change. The cause is there, and the cause will prevail, because it is right. Don't give up your ideals. Don't compromise. Don't turn to expediency. And don't, for heaven's sake, having seen the inner workings of the watch, don't get cynical.
No, don't get cynical. Don't get cynical, because look at yourselves and what you were willing to do, and recognize that there are millions and millions of Americans out there who want what you want, who wanted it to be that way, who wanted it to be a shining city on a hill." -Ronald Reagan to America
"You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We can preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we can sentence them to take the first step into 1000 years of darkness. If we fail, at least we can let our children, and our children's children, say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done. " - Ronald Reagan
The final letter Nancy includes in this volume is a love letter to America and its people:
Nov. 5, 1994
My Fellow Americans,
I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Upon learning this news, Nancy and I had to decide whether as private citizens we would keep this a private matter or whether we would make this news known in a public way.
In the past Nancy suffered from breast cancer and I had my cancer surgeries. We found through our open disclosures we were able to raise public awareness. We were happy that as a result many more people underwent testing.
They were treated in early stages and able to return to normal, healthy lives.
So now, we feel it is important to share it with you. In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it.
At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share life’s journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.
Unfortunately, as Alzheimer’s Disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage.
In closing let me thank you, the American people for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your President. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.
I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead.
Thank you, my friends. May God always bless you.
Sincerely,
Ronald Reagan
This compilation of letters, telegrams, and cards (including some wonderful "doodling") from the actor, then governor, and finally 40th president, to his wife Nancy over the course of their 52 years of marriage, reveals a gentle romantic with a sweet sense of humor. A man who was both reflective and creative, his many letters over dozens of years show fresh imagination with each one.
"By now you must have figured out that I'm hinting, I love you more than anything in the whole, wide world. I'm running for reelection as your own totally dedicated husband." As Nancy observes, Reagan was a man who wasn't complex, but who was very private. Clearly, he was not only fully devoted to his wife, but he leaned on her over the many years of travel, campaigning, and leading the state of California, and then the Free World.
The letters also reveal a man of deep faith: "I have to write this because of all our talks about flying in because you try to take the blame personally if ever something did happen. That would be wrong. God has a plan and it isn't for us to understand, only to know that he has his reasons and because he's all merciful and all loving we can depend on it that there is purpose in whatever he does and it is for own good. But you must understand without any question or doubt is that I believe this and trust him and you must, too."
Reagan is my most beloved president, and while I was only a little kid while he was in office, I can still remember watching his speeches on the little television my mom sometimes moved to the kitchen while she cooked. After mourning with millions of Americans the week following his death, I drove to D.C. in 2004 and glimpsed his flag-draped casket being carried from the Capitol.
Something else of his nature comes through these wonderful compilations: Reagan reminds me of my own beloved grandfather, a personal hero of mine. This past Christmas, I had the singular joy of reading through several letters my grandpa wrote to my grandmother during World War II - WITH my grandfather (100 years old) - and the winsome reflections and yearning for his wife and family were very much like Reagan's.
Also included in this book are some wonderful photographs, as well as some portions of timeless speeches:
"You just stay in there, and you stay there with the same beliefs in the same faith that make you do what you're doing here. The individuals on the stage may change. The cause is there, and the cause will prevail, because it is right. Don't give up your ideals. Don't compromise. Don't turn to expediency. And don't, for heaven's sake, having seen the inner workings of the watch, don't get cynical.
No, don't get cynical. Don't get cynical, because look at yourselves and what you were willing to do, and recognize that there are millions and millions of Americans out there who want what you want, who wanted it to be that way, who wanted it to be a shining city on a hill." -Ronald Reagan to America
"You and I have a rendezvous with destiny. We can preserve for our children this, the last best hope of man on earth, or we can sentence them to take the first step into 1000 years of darkness. If we fail, at least we can let our children, and our children's children, say of us we justified our brief moment here. We did all that could be done. " - Ronald Reagan
The final letter Nancy includes in this volume is a love letter to America and its people:
Nov. 5, 1994
My Fellow Americans,
I have recently been told that I am one of the millions of Americans who will be afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Upon learning this news, Nancy and I had to decide whether as private citizens we would keep this a private matter or whether we would make this news known in a public way.
In the past Nancy suffered from breast cancer and I had my cancer surgeries. We found through our open disclosures we were able to raise public awareness. We were happy that as a result many more people underwent testing.
They were treated in early stages and able to return to normal, healthy lives.
So now, we feel it is important to share it with you. In opening our hearts, we hope this might promote greater awareness of this condition. Perhaps it will encourage a clearer understanding of the individuals and families who are affected by it.
At the moment I feel just fine. I intend to live the remainder of the years God gives me on this earth doing the things I have always done. I will continue to share life’s journey with my beloved Nancy and my family. I plan to enjoy the great outdoors and stay in touch with my friends and supporters.
Unfortunately, as Alzheimer’s Disease progresses, the family often bears a heavy burden. I only wish there was some way I could spare Nancy from this painful experience. When the time comes I am confident that with your help she will face it with faith and courage.
In closing let me thank you, the American people for giving me the great honor of allowing me to serve as your President. When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.
I now begin the journey that will lead me into the sunset of my life. I know that for America there will always be a bright dawn ahead.
Thank you, my friends. May God always bless you.
Sincerely,
Ronald Reagan
February 24, 2021
"Why do people fall in love? It’s almost impossible to say. If you’re not a teenager or in your early twenties, you’ve gone on a lot of dates and met a lot of people. When the real thing comes along, you just know it. At least I did."
I can think of no better way to get a real insight into someone's life than by reading their letters. These were deeply personal. I felt like I was prying many times while reading this memoir.
Nancy's memories, interspersed with Ronald's actual letters to her from the time made their lives so vivid for me. I felt every emotion with Nancy and it was amazing and, at times, heartwrenching. I laughed and I cried but above all, I really felt what an overwhelming love they had for each other.
I also saw what a great sense of humor Nancy had.
"“Show him who’s boss,” he said to me the first time I got up on a horse. That’s ridiculous, I thought. This animal knows perfectly well who’s boss and it isn’t me."
I can speak from my own personal experience that sometimes it takes a couple of tries to get it right, but Ronald definitely got it right with Nancy. There could be no better helpmate for such an amazing life. I saw how much she was working in the background to raise their children and to make his home life easy and comfortable. She was inspiring.
I know how much people can discount the contributions of a housewife and mother, but it is not a cushy life. I saw in his letters how much "Ronnie" saw what she added and appreciated it. I wish I had highlighted the exact quote, but I missed it. There was a letter toward the end where Ronald said that if they stayed in a hotel for three days, she would have rearranged the furniture to make it a home and he would wonder why it had not always been that way. Through his letters, I really see what a treasure she was.
If you want a really great insight into the family life of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, this is a great read. It won't give you a lot of history or politics but that is not what it tries to do and there are plenty of other books that address that part of Reagan's life. This is just a heartwarming and deeply personal book.
I can think of no better way to get a real insight into someone's life than by reading their letters. These were deeply personal. I felt like I was prying many times while reading this memoir.
Nancy's memories, interspersed with Ronald's actual letters to her from the time made their lives so vivid for me. I felt every emotion with Nancy and it was amazing and, at times, heartwrenching. I laughed and I cried but above all, I really felt what an overwhelming love they had for each other.
I also saw what a great sense of humor Nancy had.
"“Show him who’s boss,” he said to me the first time I got up on a horse. That’s ridiculous, I thought. This animal knows perfectly well who’s boss and it isn’t me."
I can speak from my own personal experience that sometimes it takes a couple of tries to get it right, but Ronald definitely got it right with Nancy. There could be no better helpmate for such an amazing life. I saw how much she was working in the background to raise their children and to make his home life easy and comfortable. She was inspiring.
I know how much people can discount the contributions of a housewife and mother, but it is not a cushy life. I saw in his letters how much "Ronnie" saw what she added and appreciated it. I wish I had highlighted the exact quote, but I missed it. There was a letter toward the end where Ronald said that if they stayed in a hotel for three days, she would have rearranged the furniture to make it a home and he would wonder why it had not always been that way. Through his letters, I really see what a treasure she was.
If you want a really great insight into the family life of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, this is a great read. It won't give you a lot of history or politics but that is not what it tries to do and there are plenty of other books that address that part of Reagan's life. This is just a heartwarming and deeply personal book.
February 10, 2017
This has been on my list to read for awhile because I'd heard how inspiring and insightful it was and how strong the love story between Nancy and Ronald Reagan was. While their love story did indeed seem wonderful, genuine, and utterly absorbing... perhaps I'm too cynical at this stage because I found myself feeling "meh" throughout the book. Yes, there are lots of syrupy sweet love letters from "Ronnie" to "Nancy poo pants," but I was less-than-enthralled. Perhaps if Nancy had provided more insight into what their (very interesting!) lives were like throughout their time in California and in the White House, it might have been more educational and compelling, but I found myself rather underwhelmed by the repetition of the actual love letters.
Popsugar 2017 challenge - "A Book of Letters"
Popsugar 2017 challenge - "A Book of Letters"
August 23, 2011
An absolutely heart-melting collection of love letters. I could read this book again and again and again. And I want my daughters to read it when they're older.
August 7, 2007
It doesn't matter what your political affiliation is! This isn't about politics, it is about one man's love for his wife and how he made her feel special.
There were times while reading these letters that I had tears in my eyes. There was no reason to be crying, there was nothing in the words that made them fall. They fell because no matter what anyone will ever tell me, there is that storybook love and you see it in every one of these letters.
Ronald Reagan may have started out as a Democrat and flipped to a Republican, but he never wavered in his love for Nancy.
There were times while reading these letters that I had tears in my eyes. There was no reason to be crying, there was nothing in the words that made them fall. They fell because no matter what anyone will ever tell me, there is that storybook love and you see it in every one of these letters.
Ronald Reagan may have started out as a Democrat and flipped to a Republican, but he never wavered in his love for Nancy.
August 28, 2024
Such a sweet story. I haven't read a lot about the Reagans but this made me want to read some more about them. This was all from Nancy's point of view, and she shares letters, notes, and telegrams that Ron sent to her over their many years of marriage. He was a wonderful writer, and they had the sweetest love story and marriage.
"God has a plan and it isn't for us to understand, only to know that he has his reasons and because he is all merciful and all loving we can depend on it that there is a purpose and whatever he does and it is for our own good."
"I live in a permanent Christmas because God gave me you. "
Filling the loneliness, completing each other - that's what it's still meant us to be husband and wife.
"Time goes by faster when you are happy and I'm the happiest man in the world. I still think we should clone you. Then we leave the clone there and I bring you with me."
"God has a plan and it isn't for us to understand, only to know that he has his reasons and because he is all merciful and all loving we can depend on it that there is a purpose and whatever he does and it is for our own good."
"I live in a permanent Christmas because God gave me you. "
Filling the loneliness, completing each other - that's what it's still meant us to be husband and wife.
"Time goes by faster when you are happy and I'm the happiest man in the world. I still think we should clone you. Then we leave the clone there and I bring you with me."
November 24, 2024
this book reveals very subtly how the reagans were quite freaky
September 7, 2011
I liked this book, but there were a few things holding me back from completely enjoying it. The letters from Ronald Reagan were touching, and despite the fact that I'm not a romantic person, I found myself thinking they were the sweetest couple to ever live. But, I wasn't a big fan of how Nancy Reagan seemed to have no identity outside of being Mrs. Reagan. She started to irritate me the more I read because she seemed to have no independence or sense of self beyond her role as a wife. Overall, it was an enjoyable read.
August 8, 2017
Who am I to judge someone else's love story? Well, when you put it in book form than you allow judgement. I was not impressed with how this was presented. I would rather have had more letters and less commentary from Nancy. I mean the title says THE LETTERS!!! She talked at you more than the letters. Not impressed, plus I think he did cheat on her at one point. Yea, you lose me then.
October 25, 2012
Still one of my favorites. I have deep, mixed feelings about Reagan as a president, but the private side of the man portrayed by this book was fantastic to read about, and helped me view his relationship with Nancy and his death in a much more personal light.
January 18, 2017
Awesome read. They were an adorable couple.
February 5, 2017
This is an absolute must read. Loved every page!
March 4, 2017
This was a great read. It was in depth and let us know this couple better.
August 30, 2023
Loved it! Sweetest book ever!
July 21, 2017
What a sweet little book!
A friend passed it along and it was finished in two days. A treasure of insight into the personal side of the man, Ronald Reagan. Nancy saved all the notes from Ronald, early meeting days through dating through marriage, through career changes and on to the end of their life together. Nancy chronicles in short form the passage of time and decisions made, but overall not a political biography. Really, the heart of the text is a husband's words and tender thoughts to his wife. Here we have a happy, true love story.
A friend passed it along and it was finished in two days. A treasure of insight into the personal side of the man, Ronald Reagan. Nancy saved all the notes from Ronald, early meeting days through dating through marriage, through career changes and on to the end of their life together. Nancy chronicles in short form the passage of time and decisions made, but overall not a political biography. Really, the heart of the text is a husband's words and tender thoughts to his wife. Here we have a happy, true love story.
December 9, 2018
This was everything I needed.
September 2, 2019
These letters were so absolutely sweet, and reminded me of my hubby!
May 13, 2020
Ronald Reagan’s autobiography has been my favorite autobiography of all time. Reading this book gave me a whole new appreciation for this man. Highly recommend this book!
December 22, 2020
Easy and enjoyable read that gives a brief glimpse into the relationship between Ronald Reagan and his wife. Nancy may have been the author, but Ronald’s words were more impactful and meaningful.
January 16, 2021
I had to grab the Kleenex! His letters to Nancy were so sweet. We need to sit down and WRITE to each other again.
April 9, 2021
It was definitely interesting but too sugary sweet for my taste. I know every relationship isn't perfect but this one leaves out any issues that may have risen.
April 24, 2021
So beautiful 💞💞💞💞
March 1, 2024
This book was so sweet that reading it brought me to tears. Who wouldn’t want a love like theirs?
August 23, 2021
“I realized how valuable the art and practice of writing letters are, and how important it is to remind people of what a treasure letters—handwritten letters—can be.”
A beautiful, heartwarming read.
A beautiful, heartwarming read.
April 28, 2025
Bring back love letters!!! They were obsessed with each other, it’s so sweet.
April 29, 2020
I’ve read biographies of the Reagans before and liked them much. It’s remarkable how loving they were to each other. I also note that the “just say no” to drugs campaign was deemed out of touch and attributed to Nancy. However it came from a candid answer to a child who needed not to hear the sordid details. Quite unfair to Nancy really.
June 5, 2022
"I live in a permanent Christmas."
Is it odd that he called his wife 'Mommie?' Yes. Did I think of Hunter when I read the copious amount of letters with over-the-top, constant feelings? Yes. Sadsadsad that Alzheimers took away from their growing old together.
Is it odd that he called his wife 'Mommie?' Yes. Did I think of Hunter when I read the copious amount of letters with over-the-top, constant feelings? Yes. Sadsadsad that Alzheimers took away from their growing old together.
May 6, 2015
Meh, way too much mush for my taste. I'm not sure what exactly I was expecting when I bought this book, but I definitely would have liked more history, more background. I get it, I get it, Nancy - you two were MADLY in luv. Awesome. Good for ya. Yawn.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews