Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama’s Mother and Cherished Family Matriarch, Dies at 86
The Obama family is mourning the loss of Marian Robinson, the beloved mother of Michelle Obama, who passed away peacefully at the age of 86.
Robinson, who lived in the White House during Barack Obama’s presidency, played a vital role in maintaining a sense of normalcy for her granddaughters, Sasha and Malia. Known for her quiet strength and unwavering support, she was a steady presence in the lives of her family and all who knew her.
In a heartfelt joint statement, the Obama and Robinson families shared:
“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. She passed peacefully this morning, and right now, none of us are quite sure how exactly we’ll move on without her.”
Michelle Obama paid tribute to her mother on social media, calling her “my rock.”
“She was always there whenever I needed her. She was the same steady backstop for our entire family, and we are heartbroken to share she passed away today,” she wrote on X.
Former President Barack Obama also honored Robinson’s legacy, saying, “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.”
President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden offered their condolences, remembering her as a loving and devoted figure:
“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,” they said in a statement.
Born Marian Lois Shields in 1937 on Chicago’s South Side, Robinson married Fraser Robinson, with whom she had two children, Michelle and Craig. Fraser passed away in 1991 following a long illness.
A strong advocate for education and family values, Robinson was a guiding force in her children’s lives. In a recent episode of the IMO podcast, which Michelle co-hosts with her brother Craig, the former First Lady reflected on stepping into her mother’s matriarchal role.
“That’s sort of the darned thing about being a grown-up. When you lose your parents, you’re next up,” she said, adding with a smile, “Barack was saying, ‘Well, you’re next up.’ And I was like, ‘I’m not really ready to be next up.’”
Marian Robinson’s legacy lives on through the love, strength, and grace she instilled in her family. Her presence will be deeply missed but always remembered.
