Rudy Vallee Had ‘Special Magic,’ Reagan Recalls

President Reagan hailed the late Rudy Vallee on Friday as “an American institution.”

“A talented and creative pioneer in music, he delighted us all with his trademark raccoon coat and megaphone,” Reagan said in a statement issued by White House spokesman Larry Speakes.

Vallee died Thursday night in Hollywood at age 84. He had been ill with throat cancer and had suffered a slight stroke when in the hospital.

Will Be Remembered

The President said Vallee’s presence on the American music scene will always be remembered “and no one who saw Rudy on stage will ever forget the special magic he brought to his audiences.”

“He was a dedicated patriot who interrupted his career to serve in the U.S. Coast Guard, and it was appropriate that Rudy’s last moments were spent watching the illumination of the Statue of Liberty,” Reagan said.

“The music of Rudy Vallee will be a part of American culture for generations to come. Nancy and I will miss him and extend our deep sympathy to Eleanor (Vallee’s widow) and their family,” Reagan said.

Mrs. Vallee said that a Mass will be said today at St. Charles Roman Catholic Church in North Hollywood. Vallee will be buried privately in the Catholic cemetery at Westbrook, Me., where his mother and father are buried.