Former First Lady Nancy Reagan Dies at 94

Ronald Reagan's wife and fellow actor died at her home in Bel Air on Sunday.

Nancy Reagan, wife and fellow actor of former president Ronald Reagan, has died at the age of 94.

The New York-born, Chicago-raised former first lady had been living in failing health at her Bel Air, California home in recent years.

The cause of death was congestive heart failure, according to a statement from the Ronald Reagan Foundation and library. 

Mrs. Reagan, then known as Nancy Davis, married Ronald Reagan in 1952. She served at his side as first lady from 1981 to 1989.

Read: Ronald Reagan's Staff Were So Worried About His Mental Decline, They Gave Him a Quiz, Book Reveals

During her time in the White House, and in the years after as her husband battled Alzheimer's, Mrs. Reagan had a reputation for being a fierce protector of the 40th president, who she called Ronnie.

The two met when Nancy Davis--who shared her name with another actress who was outed as a communist during McCarthy-era Hollywood--went to her future husband, who was then president of the Screen Actor's Guild, for help.

They remained inseparable for the remainder of Mr. Reagan's life.

As first lady, Nancy Reagan's best-known project was the "Just Say No" campaign to keep children and teens from using drugs.

Read: 'First Women' Author: Melania's Modeling Past Could Help The Trump Campaign

Mrs. Reagan was also known as a consummate hostess whose love of fashionable gowns and decorating the White House won the admiration of some and the ire of others.

Mrs. Reagan, who once successfully battled breast cancer, served as full-time caretaker to President Reagan as Alzheimer's took its toll.

After Mr. Reagan's death in 2004. Mrs. Reagan carried the torch of his legacy, often through his presidential library.

According to a statement, Mrs Reagan will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

Watch: Wounded War Vet Proposes to Girlfriend in Front of Bush 41 and 43, Reveals It Was Their Idea