Every first lady makes her own choices, and mine was to become very involved in planning White House events, right down to the details...

Nancy Reagan
C10929-20, Nancy Reagan wearing a black dress during a Harper's Bazaar photo session in the Red Room of the White House.   10/25/1982.

On January 21, 1981, Nancy Reagan stepped into the full-time role of the first lady and found herself immersed in the pressures and demands of the position. Overnight, she became the nation’s hostess, the White House social director, an international ambassador, and a model for wives, mothers, and women across the country. Nancy Reagan was also the president’s closest confidante, staunchest defender, and took on special causes of her own including her campaign against drugs, “Just Say No.”