Michelle Obama's mom Marian Robinson dies at 86: Former first lady calls matriarch 'her rock' in emotional tribute

Michelle Obama and Barack Obama announced the death of Marian Robinson in a moving tribute
PUBLISHED JUN 1, 2024
Marian Robinson, the mother of former first lady Michelle Obama, has died at the age of 86  (Getty Images)
Marian Robinson, the mother of former first lady Michelle Obama, has died at the age of 86 (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Marian Robinson, the mother of former first lady Michelle Obama and mother-in-law of former President Barack Obama, has died, as per the former first family announcement on May 31. 

"My mom Marian Robinson was my rock, always there for whatever I needed,” said Obama in a post on X. The 60-year-old added, “She was the same steady backstop for our entire family, and we are heartbroken to share she passed away today.”

Michelle Obama mourns her mom Marian Robinson's death

Robinson, who was 86, brought up her daughter in the South Side communities of Chicago, which would later serve as the political basis of her son-in-law.

The Obamas paid tribute to Robinson’s character in a post on the former president’s Medium account.



 

It said, "Her wisdom came off as almost innate, as something she was born with, but in reality it was hard-earned, fashioned by her deep understanding that the world’s roughest edges could always be sanded down with a little grace."

Her life's journey from the very segregated South Side of Chicago to the White House is described in the homage signed by the Obamas, their daughters, and other family members.

The memorial stated that she went back to Chicago after the White House. She relished spending New Year's Eve passing around pigs wrapped in blankets, watching drive-in movies with her family, and making toasts. The Obamas claimed that she gave her kids self-assurance and a sense of value during dinner conversations. Her intention to ensure her children had a powerful voice was carried over to her grandkids.

"From infancy through adulthood, she stood secondary watch over her grandchildren’s growth and development,” the Obamas wrote, "inspiring them, listening to them, telling them she was proud of them, making them feel loved, like they were remarkable in every way.”

FOR INSIDE: Malia Obama, Sasha Obama, mother-in-law Marian Robinson, first lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama attend the national Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the Ellipse south of the White House December 3, 2015 in Washington, DC. The lighting of the tree is an annual tradition attended by the president and the first family. (Photo by Olivier Douliery- Pool/Getty Images)
Marian Robinson with Michelle Obama and former president Barack Obama and their daughters Sasha and Malia (Olivier Douliery- Pool/Getty Images)

In addition to the Obamas, the tribute letter was signed by Craig Robinson, his wife Kelly and their children. "We are comforted by the understanding that she has returned to the embrace of her loving Fraser,” the family said of her husband who died in 1991, “that she’s pulled up her TV tray next to his recliner, that they’re clinking their highball glasses as she’s catching him up with the stories about this wild, beautiful ride. She’s missed him so.”

Internet pays tribute to Michelle Obama's mother Marian Robinson

Several people on social media platforms paid their heartfelt condolences, with an Instagram user writing, "My deepest condolences to the Obama family."

Another user said, "Hopefully, Michelle whispered in her ear before passing that Trump is finally a felon. RIP."

A user said, "The worst heart break ever is losing a parent my hurt aches for my mom My Condolences to the Obama's."

The next user said, "Prayers to the family! We love the Obamas!."

Another user said, "May her sweet strong soul rest in eternal peace pray."

A user said, "My condolences to the whole family.."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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