Obama praises Nancy Reagan as a source of comfort, strength

FILE – In this June 2, 2009, file photo, President Barack Obama escorts former first lady Nancy Reagan after signing the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act, during a ceremony in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House in Washington. The former first lady has died at 94, The Associated Press confirmed Sunday, March 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, File)

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama said he once had the opportunity to meet with former first lady Nancy Reagan, and she could not have been more charming and gracious to him and Michelle Obama when he came into office.

The president spoke about the former first lady on Monday after meeting with financial regulators and advisers. Earlier in the day, he had ordered flags on federal buildings to be flown at half-staff in her memory.

Obama said it’s well documented the extraordinary love that she had for former President Ronald Reagan and the comfort and strength she provided him in hard times.

Obama said he has been lucky to have an extraordinary partner in his life as well. He knows how much Nancy Reagan meant to the president and country as a whole.

“He was lucky to have her, and I’m sure he would be the first to acknowledge that, so she will be missed,” Obama said.

The White House said Monday that first lady Michelle Obama will be attending Mrs. Reagan’s funeral, which will be held Friday at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California.

Mrs. Reagan died Sunday at the age of 94.

READ: Former first lady Nancy Reagan dies at 94