Marian Robinson, Mother of Michelle Obama, Passes Away at 86
Marian Robinson, the beloved mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama, has passed away at the age of 86. The Obama and Robinson families released a heartfelt statement announcing her death, celebrating her life and the immense impact she had on those around her.
Michelle Obama
“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,” read the statement from Barack and Michelle Obama, Craig and Kelly Robinson, and their children. It highlighted Robinson’s significant role in the lives of many, far beyond her immediate family.
A Peaceful Passing
“She passed peacefully this morning, and right now, none of us are quite sure how exactly we’ll move on without her,” the family shared. This sentiment was echoed by Michelle Obama in a touching social media post, “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 expressed his sorrow on social media platform X, stating, “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 White House Years
During the Obama presidency, Marian Robinson lived with the family at the White House. She was frequently seen participating in family events, such as handing out goodie bags to children during Halloween. Her presence was a source of strength for the Obamas. “We needed her. The girls needed her,” the family remarked. “And she ended up being our rock through it all.”
Marian Robinson, originally from Chicago, moved back to the city after the Obamas left the White House. She was married to Fraser Robinson, and together they raised two children, Michelle and Craig. Fraser Robinson passed away in 1991 after battling multiple sclerosis.
A Strong Advocate for Education
Robinson was deeply involved in her children’s education. The family recounted how she taught them to read at an early age, instilling in them the strength and confidence to succeed. “She taught her children to read at an early age, sitting together as they sounded out words on a page, giving them the strength and confidence to walk to school,” they shared.
Marian Robinson played a pivotal role in the Obama family’s historic journey. “On Election Night in 2008, when the news broke that Barack would soon shoulder the weight of the world, she was there, holding his hand,” the family recalled.
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Remembering a Great Lady
David Axelrod, former senior adviser to President Obama, described Robinson as “just a great lady.” In a conversation with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on “The Situation Room,” Axelrod noted her down-to-earth nature. “She was a South Sider through and through,” he said, emphasizing that she did not embrace the celebrity lifestyle that came with the White House. “She would often slip out of the White House on her own and visit with friends. … She really wasn’t looking for attention.”
A Legacy of Humility and Strength
Michelle Obama shared a poignant memory of her mother from 2018, during the unveiling of the Obamas’ portraits at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. Recalling the moment, Michelle said, “(It was) quiet and (I was) watching my mom, Marian Robinson, sit at the base of my portrait and look up at it with such a level of awe. And for me, watching her see me in that way meant the world to me.”
Marian Robinson’s life was marked by her unwavering support for her family and her quiet strength. Her legacy continues to inspire those who knew her and those who learn about her remarkable journey. The Obama and Robinson families, along with countless others, mourn her passing and celebrate the extraordinary life she lived.