Political figures are mourning the death of actress and singer Doris Day, calling the legendary Hollywood performer an "American icon."
The star of "The Pajama Game" in 1957 and 1959's "Pillow Talk" died Monday at 97, according to her eponymous animal foundation.
The "Que Sera Sera" singer, a longtime animal rights activist, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2004 by then-President George W. Bush.
Day also played opposite Ronald Reagan, an actor before entering politics, in the 1952 film, "The Winning Team." She wrote in an autobiography that she had a brief fling with Reagan while filming the movie.
Rep. Earl Blumenauer
Earl BlumenauerInauguration parties lose the glitz and glamour in 2021 Four things Democrats should do in Biden's first 100 days House Republican wants restrictions on masks with messages MORE (D-Ore.) noted Day's animal advocacy work as he honored the entertainer on Twitter:
America will mourn the passing of an American icon, Doris Day. Her ferocious advocacy for animal welfare added star power to these critical issues. We are grateful for her compassion and leadership.https://t.co/29Fts0COfB
— Earl Blumenauer (@repblumenauer) May 13, 2019
Marianne Williamson
Marianne WilliamsonMarianne Williamson discusses America's "soulless ethos" Marianne Williamson discusses speaking at People's Party Convention Fewer people watched opening night of Democratic convention compared to 2016 MORE, a 2020 Democratic presidential hopeful, also lamented Day's death, writing:
No matter how old you are, it’s the music and movies of your youth that forever stir you. Kudos to Doris Day for the smiles she gave, the happiness she inspired and a life well lived. May her spirit soar.
— Marianne Williamson (@marwilliamson) May 13, 2019
And Rep. Jimmy Panetta
James Varni PanettaLawmakers want Pentagon, DOJ to punish current, former military members who participated in riot Capitol riots spark fear of Trump's military powers in final days Americans want to serve — it's up to us to give them the chance MORE (D-Calif.), who represented Day, said the entertainer's neighbors on California's Central Coast would miss her "joyful spirit and love of animals."
Saddened to hear of the passing of Doris Day. Her joyful spirit and love of animals will be missed by her neighbors on the Central Coast of California.https://t.co/PRRA2nMG2f
— Rep. Jimmy Panetta (@RepJimmyPanetta) May 13, 2019
--This report was updated at 12:23 p.m.
