Marian Robinson, the beloved mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama, has passed away at the age of 86, the family announced on Friday. She died peacefully in the morning, surrounded by loved ones.
Michelle Obama took to social media to pay tribute to her mother, calling her “my rock.” In a heartfelt message, she shared: “She was there for whatever I needed—the same steady support for our whole family. We’re heartbroken to lose her today.” Former President Barack Obama also honored his mother-in-law, describing her as “one-of-a-kind.” He added, “We feel lucky to have had her in our lives. We’ll spend our years trying to live by her example.”
Born Marian Shields in 1937, she married Fraser Robinson III, a WWII veteran and Chicago water department worker. The couple raised Michelle and her brother Craig in a humble home on the South Side of Chicago. Despite the challenges of racism—her father was denied union jobs due to segregation—Marian instilled in her children the values of education, resilience, and strength. These lessons were pivotal in shaping Michelle’s journey to Princeton and her subsequent accomplishments.
During Barack Obama’s presidency, Marian moved into the White House to care for her granddaughters, Malia and Sasha. In the midst of their extraordinary lives, Marian provided a sense of normalcy and stability for the girls.
Though Marian remained largely out of the public eye, she was a key figure behind the scenes, often referred to as the Obama’s “secret weapon.” She offered wisdom, home-cooked meals, and unwavering love throughout the challenges they faced as a family. After the presidency, Marian returned to Chicago, opting for a more private life away from the spotlight. In recent years, her health had declined.
The Obamas have requested privacy during this difficult time, and funeral details have yet to be shared.
Marian Robinson’s legacy is that of a steadfast matriarch who played an instrumental role in raising America’s first Black first family, reminding us that behind every remarkable woman often stands an even more remarkable mother.
