Finally tonight here the reagans their love story began long before the White House in this evening to look back at the enduring love affair that began between two young actors in Hollywood. And then lasted for 52 years here's ABC's John Donvan. They were both performers of course from the sound stage to the world stage that is politics. But this part what they had between them. That was authentic no one doubted that it was as real as love can be. The term of endearment he gave her he called her mommy. While he was running. If you lined a passion a loyalty. And to bond. That kept them together half a century. From a letter Ronald wrote Nancy during his time as California governor he would he said. Be totally lost and desolate without you you should know this and be aware of how essential you are in this man's life. It went the other way of course Reagan biographer Bob Cole a cello. Nancy loved Ronald Reagan and I mean where's our whole bidding that was a romantic relationship with or worked on every level. And so we saw that last kiss and we know about those visits to the grave site. And we know what dream she held close what she told Diane Sawyer the reverend Billy Graham told her. I just want you tell me that when I go that Ronald going to be there waiting for. He's always yes. Until. You're sure. The listen self. So surely it seemed real and not even really for public consumption but of course we all glimpsed it something that true it's hard to hide. John Donvan ABC news. Washington's much more Nancy Reagan on GMA I'm David Muir I hope to see right back here tomorrow night thanks for starting the week a night earlier with until it.