"I join America in grieving the loss of a great leader, a great President, and a great American.
"Ronald Reagan gave hope to a new generation of Americans with his strength, will and optimism. He led the world through historic times as we saw the cold war come to an end and the United States of America emerge as an even stronger nation.
"President Reagan inspired the world to make the seemingly impossible possible, such as the fall of the Soviet Union and the demise of the Berlin wall
"President Reagan led his personal life with the same poise he carried throughout his career. He faced the final chapter of his life and his illness with character and grace.
"My thoughts are with the former First Lady and President Reagan's entire family as we all mourn the loss of this great man."
####