Sad News: The Passing of Michelle Obama’s Mother, Marian Robinson 💔 Our hearts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time. 😭👇👇
It is with deep sadness that we report the passing of Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama’s beloved mother, at the age of 86. According to family members, she passed away peacefully this morning.
Michelle Obama shared the heart-wrenching news on X, stating, “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.”
In a heartfelt message, former President Barack Obama also expressed his sorrow: “There was and will be only one Marian Robinson,” he wrote. “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.”
A Life Well-Lived
Marian Lois Shields Robinson, born on July 30, 1937, was a woman who had a profound impact on her family and those who knew her. As the mother of Michelle Obama, the former First Lady of the United States, Marian played a pivotal role in the Obama family’s success, offering unwavering support and love throughout the years.
She was married to Fraser Robinson III, a World War II veteran who worked as a pump operator for the Chicago Water Department. Together, they had two children, Craig and Michelle. Despite facing economic challenges, the Robinson family found strength in their close-knit bonds and in Marian’s devotion to her family.
As a mother, Marian instilled important values of integrity, perseverance, and the power of education in her children. She often spoke about the struggles she witnessed her own parents face due to the limitations of racial segregation, and how it shaped her sense of justice and determination.
A Steady Presence in the White House
Marian Robinson became a steady and calming presence for her family during the Obama presidency. She moved into the White House to help care for her granddaughters, Malia and Sasha, during their formative years in the public eye. In the midst of the high-profile life of her daughter and son-in-law, Marian remained grounded and humble, offering support to her granddaughters and ensuring they had a sense of normalcy despite the spotlight.
She was admired for her quiet strength and dignity, never seeking attention despite her prominent role in the First Family. Marian’s love and influence extended far beyond the walls of the White House, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness, grace, and resilience.
Final Years in Chicago
After the White House years came to a close in early 2017, Marian Robinson returned to her roots in Chicago, where she spent her final years surrounded by family and friends. Her life remains an enduring example of the power of love, sacrifice, and the importance of family.
As the Obama family mourns her loss, they also celebrate the extraordinary life of Marian Robinson—an inspiring woman, mother, and grandmother who shaped the hearts and minds of those closest to her.
In the memory of Marian Robinson, her legacy will live on in the values she instilled in her family and the lives she touched with her quiet yet profound strength.