Reagan Doing ‘Just Fine,’ His Wife Says at Book Signing

Former President Ronald Reagan has been doing “just fine,” riding horses and chopping wood on his Santa Barbara County ranch since telling the American public last weekend that he has Alzheimer’s disease, Nancy Reagan said Thursday.

“We hope coming out like that will help people,” she said of the two-page handwritten letter her husband released last weekend. “His letter said it all.”

A crush of well-wishers bearing cards, prayers and warm words for the former President greeted Mrs. Reagan on Thursday as she signed copies of her autobiography at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.

Giddy in her presence, they edged up to where she sat, whispered their best wishes and handed over copies of “My Turn.”

As she signed their books in a neat, careful hand, some visitors assured her gently, “Your husband’s in our prayers,” then sidled away with nervous smiles.

Nancy Reagan thanked them quietly and smiled back.