Barack Obama to miss Nancy Reagan funeral for South by Southwest speech
Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton will attend the service in California on Friday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.First Lady Michelle Obama and Democratic presidential hopeful and former First Lady Hillary Clinton will attend Nancy Reagan's funeral in California on Friday, a sign of the enduring power of President Ronald Reagan's legacy 27 years after he left office.
President Obama will be speaking that day at the South by Southwest conference in Austin. Clinton's spokesman said she would "drop off the trail briefly" to pay her respects.
Reagan will be buried next to her husband at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in California, officials said on Monday. The late First Lady will lie in repose at the library on Wednesday and Thursday.
Reagan, who died Sunday at the age of 94, played an important role in her husband's presidency, guarding his image and launching her own campaign against drug abuse.
The Obamas said Reagan redefined the role of First Lady.
"Nancy Reagan once wrote that nothing could prepare you for living in the White House," the Obamas wrote in a joint statement on Sunday. "She was right, of course. But we had a head start, because we were fortunate to benefit from her proud example, and her warm and generous advice."
Michelle Obama also attended former First Lady Betty Ford's funeral in 2011.
© Washington Post
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments