December 20, 2025
Statement by Fred Ryan, Chairman of the Board of The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute on the Death of Lou Cannon
Simi Valley, California – The Reagan Foundation and Institute mourns the loss of Louis “Lou” Cannon, a US Army veteran and journalist who is widely considered the nation's leading authority on the life and career of Ronald Reagan – both as Governor of California and President of the United States.
Lou Cannon began covering then-California Governor Ronald Reagan for the San Jose Mercury News after his 1966 election, then chronicled Ronald Reagan’s two terms in the White House for the Washington Post, establishing himself as the foremost authority on our nation’s 40th president. While at the Washington Post, where he worked for 26 years, he also served as their White House correspondent, a columnist and their Los Angeles bureau chief.
Lou Cannon interviewed Governor and President Reagan many times, and also spent time with the Reagans at Rancho del Cielo in the mountains above Santa Barbara. Lou Cannon once said of the President that his sense of humor was the key to his character. Key to Lou Cannon’s character was his quiet demeanor, humble approach, and profound ability to get to the heart of the story, no matter what story he was covering.
Lou Cannon became more than just a reporter covering Ronald Reagan’s time as Governor and President, he became a friend. And over the years he became one of the Reagan Foundation’s strongest advocates of President Reagan’s message and legacy. His presence and counsel will deeply be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Mary, his son, Carl, and the rest of the Cannon family. May he rest in peace.
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Contact: Melissa Giller