Q: What singer was present as Billy Graham prayed for President Ronald Reagan?
A: Frank Sinatra
On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot outside the Washington Hilton Hotel.
As a long-time friend of the Reagan family, the news of the attempted assassination of President Reagan led Billy Graham to take the first available flight to Washington. Mr. Graham offered spiritual encouragement and prayer for the family during the difficult time. Mr. Graham wrote:
When I saw Nancy the next day, she was calm, but I could sense the anxiety and concern she felt by the tears in her eyes and the extra hug she gave me. I was reminded again of the great love they had for each other; frequently, I had seen them holding hands or just touching each other, and I knew he depended on her greatly, not only for emotional support and encouragement but also for advice.
A few minutes later, Frank and Barbara Sinatra came in. Nancy rehearsed all the events for us from her point of view. Then the pastor of National Presbyterian Church, Louis Evans, and his wife, Colleen, came in. Within an hour, Donn Moomaw and his wife arrived.
We sat and talked together about Ron and got the latest information on him. For the first time, I realized how near death he had come the day before. Before we left, Lou Evans turned to me.
“Billy, I think you should lead us in prayer.”
We all held hands. I prayed as fervently as I knew how, asking the Lord to raise up our friend. During the prayer, Frank Sinatra said amen twice.
Billy Graham and Frank Sinatra had at least one other encounter. After Ronald Reagan’s election to the presidency, Billy Graham was invited to speak at the first official event of the inauguration ceremonies—a prayer service at St. John’s Episcopal Church across from the White House.
I walked into St. John’s about half an hour early. The only two people there were Frank Sinatra and his wife, Barbara.
“Frank, I’ll bet this is the first time you’ve ever been the first one in the church!” I said. He laughed. “I try to go as often as I can.”
