Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, passed away, leaving the Obama family grieving.
Robinson, who brought “normalcy” to her granddaughters Sasha and Malia’s lives while living in the White House during her son-in-law’s presidency, passed away at the age of 86.
She passed away “peacefully,” according to a statement from her family.
“She was loved beyond words by countless others whose lives were improved by her presence, as a sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor, and friend to so many,” the Obamas and Robinsons said in their statement.
“She passed away quietly this morning, and none of us is entirely sure how we’ll cope with her absence at this time.”
The former first lady honored the woman she referred to as “her rock.”
Marian Robinson, my mother, was my pillar of support and was always there for me. We are devastated to announce that she passed away today. She was the same dependable rock for our whole family,” Michelle wrote on X.
“There was and will be only one Marian Robinson,” wrote Barack Obama. Her life is an extraordinary gift that lifts us out of our sadness. And we’ll try to follow her example for the rest of our lives.
The Bidens also expressed their sincere sympathies.
We were acquainted with Mrs. Marian Robinson as a loving grandmother and mother who loved her family fiercely and without conditions. With each gentle grin or tender hug she gave us, we were able to experience that love ourselves with the gift of friendship,” Joe and Jill wrote.
In 1937, Marian Robinson was born Marian Lois Shields in the South Side of Chicago. She wed Fraser Robinson, and the two of them had two kids: Craig and Michelle. Fraser fought multiple sclerosis for a long time before passing away in 1991.
Robinson actively participated in her children’s education and provided them with unwavering support.
Michelle Obama recalled her husband’s words following the death of her mother: “You’re next up,” she said during a May 7 episode of the podcast IMO, which she co-hosts with her brother.
That’s the damned thing about being an adult. Regarding taking on the role of matriarch in the family, Michelle remarked, “When you lose your parents, you’re next up.” “I suppose that in light of Mom’s passing, I’m grateful that you’re my older brother and that I have an older husband.
For the simple reason that Barack was saying, ‘Well, you’re next up.’ “I’m not really ready to be next up,” I said. I said to him, “You’re up next.” Next up is Craig. “I give you that authority,” she jokingly said.