One of the most enduring and high profile marriages in the United States has reached a milestone of 50 years.

Ronald and Nancy Reagan are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary Monday - a union that began in Hollywood, swept into the White House and is now in its poignant final chapter.

The former president and actor has for years suffered from Alzheimer's disease - leaving him unable to recognize even those closest to him. All the same, Mrs. Reagan, once an actress herself, says they will mark the occasion with a cake, most likely Mr. Reagan's favorite, chocolate.

Their devotion to each other over the decades has been prominently on display in public. Their private life was shared with readers in a collection of letters from Mr. Reagan to his wife, called "I Love You, Ronnie."

The book is being released in paperback Monday. Mrs. Reagan, who is the primary caretaker of her ailing husband, calls the letters a lifeline, preserving the past and helping her go into the future.

Asked if there is a secret to staying married so long, the former first lady recently told an interviewer, no. But, she suggests, compromise helps.

Some information for this report provided by AP.

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