The Obama family suffered the loss of Marian Robinson, the mother of Michelle Obama.
Robinson, who lived in the White House during her son-in-law’s presidency and brought “normality” into the lives of her granddaughters, Sasha and Malia, died aged 86.
Her family said in a statement that she died “peacefully.”
“As a sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor, and friend to so many, she was beloved beyond words by countless others whose lives were improved by her presence,” the statement from the Obamas and the Robinsons said.
“She passed peacefully this morning, and right now, none of us are quite sure how exactly we’ll move on without her.”
The former first lady paid tribute to the woman she called “her rock.”
“My mom Marian Robinson was my rock, always there for whatever I needed. She was the same steady backstop for our entire family, and we are heartbroken to share she passed away today,” Michelle posted on X.
Barack Obama wrote, “There was and will be only one Marian Robinson. In our sadness, we are lifted up by the extraordinary gift of her life. And we will spend the rest of ours trying to live up to her example.”
The Bidens also shared their deepest condolences.
“We knew Mrs. Marian Robinson as a devoted mother and grandmother with a fierce and unconditional love of her family. With the blessing of friendship, we felt that love ourselves – with every quiet smile or warm embrace she shared with us,” Joe and Jill posted.
Marian Robinson was born Marian Lois Shields in 1937 in Chicago’s South Side. She married Fraser Robinson and the couple welcomed two children together, Michelle and Craig. Fraser passed away in 1991 after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.
Robinson took an active role in her children’s education and supported them every step of the way.
During a May 7 episode on the podcast IMO that Michelle Obama co-hosts with her brother, she recalled her husband’s words after the passing of her mother; “You’re next up.”
“That’s sort of the darned thing about being a grown-up. When you lose your parents, you’re next up,” Michelle said about stepping into the family’s matriarchal role. “I guess if anything with mom’s loss, I thank God you’re my big brother and I have a husband who’s older.
“Because Barack was saying, ‘Well, you’re next up.’ And I was like, ‘I’m not really ready to be next up.’ I told him, ‘You’re next up. And Craig is next up. I delegate that power to you,’” she joked.
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