Nancy Reagan's eight years as first lady passed through three distinct stages: an initial period of serving as hostess at elegant parties, refurbishing the White House living quarters, and expanding the White House fine dinnerware collection; a second phase in which she became more active in social causes, such as the "Just Say No!" antidrug campaign; and a final phase in which she became protective of her husband Ronald Reagan (1911-; see entry in volume 5) during the controversies of the Iran-Contra investigation.

A devoted couple, the Reagans helped each other through the best and worst of times. Nancy helped inspire her husband's fighting spirit as he recovered from a gunshot wound in 1981 following a failed assassination attempt. She was at his side as he recovered from surgeries in July 1985 and January 1987.

After riding off together into the sunset—the two former actors returned to their...