Former First Lady Michelle Obama has confirmed the passing of her mother, Marian Robinson, at the age of 86.
“My mom Marian Robinson was my rock, always there for whatever I needed,” Michelle Obama wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday. “She was the same steady backstop for our entire family, and we are heartbroken to share she passed away today.”
Former President Barack Obama also expressed his grief, stating on X:
“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.”
Marian Lois Shields Robinson was born in 1937 and raised in a “tiny upstairs apartment” on the red-lined South Side of Chicago. She was one of seven children who witnessed firsthand the challenges of racial segregation.
Her father, Purnell Shields, faced discrimination that prevented him from joining a union or working for certain construction firms.
Marian Robinson pursued a teaching career and later worked as a secretary. She married Fraser Robinson and had two children, Craig and Michelle.
As a mother, she was a staunch advocate for education, frequently taking her children to the library and instilling in them a love for reading. Both Craig and Michelle attended Princeton University, with Michelle also earning a law degree from Harvard.
Throughout Michelle’s rise, from marrying Barack Obama to becoming the First Lady, Marian remained a pillar of support. The family recalled her unwavering presence, particularly on Election Night in 2008, when Barack Obama won the presidency.
Marian held his hand, providing comfort and stability during a momentous occasion.
Despite initial reluctance, Marian joined the Obamas in the White House, living with them throughout Barack’s two terms.
Michelle Obama, in her book “The Light We Carry,” shared that she had to beg her mother to move in with them. Marian’s presence brought a sense of normalcy and support to the family, particularly for her granddaughters, Malia and Sasha.
Marian Robinson preferred to stay out of the political spotlight, spending her time with her granddaughters, helping around the house, and chatting with the White House staff.
The only guest she made a point of meeting was the Pope. She also enjoyed sneaking out to buy greeting cards and visiting the Kennedy Center for shows.
She traveled internationally with the Obamas, visiting countries such as Russia, Italy, Ghana, China, South Africa, and Botswana.
Before her death, the Obamas announced they would name an exhibit in the Obama Presidential Center Museum, “Opening the White House,” in her honor.
Marian Robinson’s legacy as a steadfast supporter and loving mother will continue to inspire the Obama family and all who knew her.
