The Obama family is enduring a time of grief following the passing of Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama’s cherished mother.
Known affectionately as “Grandma-in-Chief,” Robinson lived at the White House during her son-in-law Barack Obama’s presidential tenure, offering a sense of normality to her granddaughters, Sasha and Malia. She passed away peacefully at the age of 86.
A Peaceful Farewell
In a heartfelt statement, both the Obamas and the Robinsons shared their sorrow, saying she was beloved by many as a sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor, and friend. Marian Robinson left a profound impact on the lives of those who knew her.
“She passed peacefully this morning, and right now, none of us are quite sure how exactly we’ll move on without her,” the family expressed.
Michelle Obama, deeply touched by her mother’s passing, referred to Robinson as her “rock.” In a post on social media, she shared, “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.”
Barack Obama also took to social media, honoring his mother-in-law: “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 extended their condolences, reflecting on their friendship with Mrs. Robinson. “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,” shared President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden.
A Life Fully Lived
Born Marian Lois Shields in 1937, Robinson’s roots tallied back to Chicago’s South Side. As life would have it, she crossed paths with Fraser Robinson, whom she later married. Together, they brought two children into the world – Michelle and Craig. Sadly, Fraser passed away in 1991 due to multiple sclerosis.
Marian Robinson was undoubtedly a pillar in her children’s education and life, standing by them through all milestones.
In a poignant discussion on her podcast IMO, co-hosted with her brother Craig, Michelle Obama shared what these moments meant to her. Remembering her husband’s words, she acknowledged the reality of succession within the family.
“That’s sort of the darned thing about being a grown-up. When you lose your parents, you’re next up,” she reflected. Yet, in all her humility, she playfully deferred the responsibility to her brother and husband.
“I told him, ‘You’re next up. And Craig is next up. I delegate that power to you,’” she quipped.
Marian Robinson’s legacy will surely live on in the hearts of those she loved and who loved her back. Her unwavering strength, compassion, and warmth will forever be remembered as gifts she graciously bestowed upon her family and friends.
The family appreciates the outpouring of love and support as they navigate this difficult time. They invite you to remember Marian Robinson by sharing the kindness and love she showed throughout her extraordinary life.
