Nancy Reagan’s press secretary shares inside look at first lady’s life

Walking away from her job as press secretary to First Lady Nancy Reagan was one of the hardest things that Sheila Tate ever did, she told a National Press Club Headliners Book Rap on April 4.

“She was a much more interesting person than most people knew,” Tate said as she discussed her new book, “Lady in Red: An Intimate Portrait of Nancy Reagan.”

Tate was with Reagan for some of the most pivotal moments as first lady. She consoled her at George Washington University Hospital following the assassination attempt on President Ronald Reagan, and was by her side at major events in Washington and around the world.

With her unparalleled access to Mrs. Reagan’s daily life, Tate said she watched the first lady grow into her role. According to Tate, Reagan entered the White House uneasy with the press, but grew more comfortable with reporters over time.

“She made more than a few missteps when she came in and she was very wary of the press,” having had negative experiences with California media, Tate said. “She really changed over those eight years. She became so much more confident. She developed real friendships with members of the press..”

Reagan also made a name for herself as an anti-drug advocate, spearheading the “Just Say No” campaign. That crusade against drug use was a true passion, Tate said.

“If she was going to do something for four or eight years, it had to be something she really wanted to do,” Tate said.

If Reagan were to offer advice to first lady Melania Trump today, Tate said she is sure that she would say, “Do what you really, really care about.”

Tate said Reagan "was always Mrs. Reagan to me, always.” But "the day that I resigned, she said, ‘From now on you can call me Nancy.’”