Marian Robinson, Michelle Obama’s Mother, Dies at 86

Marian Robinson, the mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama and a quiet but steady presence in the White House during Barack Obama’s presidency, has died at the age of 86. Her family confirmed the news in a statement: “She passed away quietly this morning, and at this time, none of us is quite sure how exactly we’ll move on without her.”

A Devoted Grandmother in the White House

Robinson moved from Chicago to Washington, D.C., in 2009 to help care for her granddaughters, Malia and Sasha. Though she kept a low profile, she became known as “First Grandma” during the Obama presidency. Her family recalled, “She was needed by the girls. And she proved to be our pillar of support during it all.”

Humble, Private, and Grounded

Despite living in the White House, Robinson stayed out of the spotlight. “Rather than hobnobbing with Oscar winners or Nobel laureates, she preferred spending her time upstairs… with a TV tray,” her family shared. She even convinced the staff to let her do her own laundry. Former President Obama once said she was “the least pretentious person I know.”

Lasting Legacy and Deep Bond

Robinson was deeply close to her daughter. Michelle Obama honored her on Mother’s Day by announcing a museum exhibit in her name, saying, “Without my mother, I just wouldn’t be who I am today.” The family concluded, “There was and will be only one Marian Robinson. The extraordinary gift of her life lifts us up in our sadness.”

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden said they were “blessed with friendship” from Robinson and sent their love to the entire Obama family.