At the 1976 Republican National Convention in Kansas City , Missouri , Orlando danced to the tune of " Tie a Yellow Ribbon " with then First Lady Betty Ford . The media stated that it was to divert attention as Nancy Reagan entered the Kemper Arena convention hall . However , in Orlando 's book '' Halfway to Paradise '' , he states that Mrs. Reagan was asked what her favorite song was , which happened to be " Tie a Yellow Ribbon " , so it was chosen as her entrance song . Ronald Reagan unsuccessfully challenged Gerald Ford , for the presidential nomination that year but came back in 1980 to claim the presidency itself . Ray Barnhart , a Reagan co-manager from Texas , criticized Mrs. Ford for having " danced a jig " with Orlando . Barbara Staff , another Texas co-chairman , called Betty Ford 's behavior " a low , cheap shot "
1976 Republican National Convention
1976 Republican National Convention
Tony Orlando