Actor Mr. T arrives for the funeral service of U.S. former first lady Nancy Reagan on March 11, 2016, at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images) Lawmakers, world leaders, political observers and close friends Friday gathered in Simi Valley, California to lay to rest former first lady Nancy Reagan. Those who filed into the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum to honor the fiercely loyal spouse of the 40th president regaled the dignitary-packed crowd with anecdotes about how integral she was to American politics. “Her absolute belief in him gave him the chutzpah to run for office,” her son, Ronald Prescott Reagan, said of the quiet strength she shared with the then-aspiring candidate. “My mother provided the encouragement that he needed … she protected him.” "Today Nancy Reagan will be laid to rest. A true example of grace and integrity. Prayers are w/ the Reagan family." Tweet from @RepScottPerry Former Speaker of the House of Representatives Newt Gingrich and his wife Callista arrive for the service. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images) Former Secretary of State George Schultz and his wife Charlotte Mailliard Schultz arrive for the service. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown/AFP/Getty Images) Reagan administration vet James A. Baker III said Reagan relied on Nancy to be his “eyes and ears” in the White House. “She had an instinct for reading people the president knew that he lacked,” Baker said. “She was absolutely, without a doubt, his closest advisor.” Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney emphasized the depth of the Reagans’ love affair by reading a note the president sent her during their first Christmas in Washington — an account, per Reagan, of the many beloved women in his life. Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger arrives for Nany Reagan's service. (Irfan Khan/Pool/Getty Images) Actor Tom Selleck was among those at the service... (Getty Images photo) ...as well as talk-show host Larry King and his wife Shawn King. (Irfan Khan/Pool/Getty Images) First lady Michelle Obama arrives with former President George W. Bush and his wife Laura Bush, right, and Calif. Gov. Jerry Brown and his wife Anne Gust. (Irfan Khan/Pool/Getty Images) In the touching tribute, Reagan heaps praise on the many roles Nancy plays to perfection: devoted wife, loving mother, remarkable first lady, enthusiastic ranch hand and irreplaceable partner. “Fortunately, all of these women in my life are you,” Reagan assured Nancy. Related: 6 Ways Nancy Reagan Changed America President Obama, Always Go To The Funeral Does Nancy Reagan's Death Coincide With The Death Of Our Party? Roll Call Race Ratings Map: Ratings for Every House and Senate Race in 2016 Get breaking news alerts and more from Roll Call in your inbox or on your iPhone.
