ALS signed “‘Moma’ Nelle,” one page both sides, 5.5 x 7.5, January 11, 1948. Letter to a fan of Ronald Reagan. In part: “Guess you’ve been reading and hearing over the radio many reports about Ronald & Jane separating, please do not believe the things; they are not connecting his name with the girl who is to take part in the next picture ‘John Loves Mary,’ he has never been out with her, or any other girl since Jane decided she didn’t love him any more, and Jane has never left her home like they have reported so many times. She has had a nervous break down and her mind is very sick, we are hoping with all our hearts that when she gets a complete rest that she will realize she does love Ronald who is just as much in love with her now as he was the day he married her. It was almost like a death blow when Jane blurted out to the both of us that she didn’t love him anymore.” In fine condition. Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. Reagan starred opposite Patricia Neal in the 1949 film John Loves Mary, Neal’s first film. The death of their premature daughter started the downspin of their marriage, though Wyman insisted their breakup was due to political differences. Despite Nelle’s best hopes, Wyman filed for divorce later in 1948 which was finalized the following year. This split also took a unique historical perspective, as Reagan was the only US President to be divorced; and Wyman the only ex-wife of a president. A deeply personal letter as she pours her heart out to relative strangers. RR Auction COA.
