Nancy Reagan: 'Heartbreaking' to Lose Merv Griffin

NewsMax ^ | 8/12/07 | NewsMax

[wagglebee]

Former First Lady Nancy Reagan issued the following statement Sunday on the death of Merv Griffin:

"This is heartbreaking, not just for those of us who loved Merv personally, but for everyone around the world who has known Merv through his music, his television shows and his business.

"Ronnie and I knew Merv for more years than I can even remember -- more than fifty, I'm sure. He was a dear, dear friend and we became even closer in the last fifteen years. He was there for me on some of the hardest days when Ronnie was fighting Alzheimer's and he was there for me every day after Ronnie died.

"Merv meant the world to me. I will miss him -- and his brilliant smile, his wonderful voice, and the twinkle in his eyes -- every day for the rest of my life.

"My love and prayers are with Tony and the entire family.

[wagglebee]

Merv Griffin was a great friend to the Reagans.

[SevenofNine]

I bet Nancy is devasted

[Fudd Fan]

Praying for Merv’s soul, and I’m also praying for Nancy in her grief over losing her dear friend.

[wagglebee]

I think that Merv Griffin was Nancy Reagan’s closest friend other than Michael Deaver.

[SevenofNine]

Oh yeah that true I tell you why

Merv knew Nancy Reagan back in da day way back in da day during MGM days when she was Nancy Davis they were friend Nancy was upcoming star Merv was still in singing career/acting career that how old school their friendship it is

[stephenjohnbanker]

RIP, Merv!

[Young Werther]

Merv had a vast intellect and talent. We are all devasted!

[Reagan Man]

When CBS was producing the TV movie, “The Reagan’s”, Merv Griffin said the C in CBS stood for cowards. Merv said the Reagan’s were in no position to defend themselves. So he did.

RIP Merv.

[submarinerswife]

So rare it is that being a Hollywood hotshot, he was so loyal to the Reagen's for so many years. He never sold out under pressure of the Libs. He was a great friend to Nancy and Ronnie.

I throughly enjoyed his stories, I saw a joint interview with Merv and Nancy Reagan not too long ago upon release of a book about Ron Reagan.

Merv and Ronnie are together laughing once more. RIP

[KayEyeDoubleDee]

Merv knew Nancy Reagan back in da day way back in da day during MGM days when she was Nancy Davis they were friend Nancy was upcoming star Merv was still in singing career/acting career that how old school their friendship it is

Freddy Martin & His Orchestra, with Merv Griffin

PS: That's kind of an interesting album:

Flaky Forties

And it would be difficult to compare that album with, say, this television ad, and not come to the conclusion that something has gone terribly wrong with our society in the intervening 60 years:

BET's Disturbing "Read a Book" video

[submarinerswife]

Can someone here enlighten me on Merv's career? What music did he sing? I remember his many TV shows (King World Entertainment) and the whole Dance Fever/Danny Terrio mess claiming that Merv Griffin sexually harassed him. I admired the tenacity that he had in not only defending himself but aggressively going after Terrio for trying to extort money from him. Merv was having none of it, he didn't depend on a publicist or lawyer t. I admired him for that. Rare breed.

[Nea Wood]

When CBS was producing the TV movie, “The Reagan’s”, Merv Griffin said the C in CBS stood for cowards.

And we know what the rest stands for.

[daisyscarlett]

Merv left part of his billion dollar fortune to the Reagan Library.

[Reagan Man]

Natch! ;^)

[bill1952]

He pretty much started Jeopardy and the wheel of fortune, and I know that he wrote that d*mn theme song to jeopardy that gets stuck in your head from time to time.

He was one of the richest guys in Hollywood and thats saying something. - I didn’t know about his acquaintances with the Reagans.

[ari-freedom]

[submarinerswife]

I didn’t know about his acquaintances with the Reagans.

I didn't realize their friendship until Merv Griffin defended Nancy Ragan and Frank Sinatra during the Kitty Kelly book accusing them of an affair back in the 80's.

[I still care]

This is a tremendous loss. Merv will be greatly missed.

I saw a video of him the other day singing with Beverly Sills, he had a wonderful voice.

[monkapotamus]

[4yearlurker]

Merv had the “Merv Giffin Show” in the late 60’s and early 70’s. A talk show with guest singers.(Although Merv did some singing himself.) I always thought Merv and Mike Douglas were the same guy!