Sen. Todd Gardenhire remembers Nancy Reagan

Chattanooga, TN (WDEF) – Sen. Todd Gardenhire has plenty to say about the late Nancy Reagan, as he worked closely with her for more than a decade.

The Senator sat down with News 12 earlier this evening to reminisce on his time spent with the former First lady. Sen. Gardenhire said he began working for Roland Reagan as co-state chairman in 1976.

Sen. Gardenhire was later asked to work solely for Mrs. Reagan in November of 1984 to advance trips, work logistics and do whatever was needed to make sure she looked good.

“She was always very lady-like,” said Sen. Gardenhire, “Very polite, very well mannered. I never heard her say a harsh word. What you saw in the media, and while she was in the public eye, was exactly like she was when the doors were closed and nobody was around.”

The Senator says he continued to work for the Reagan’s until they left office in 1989.