Michelle Obama’s mother has sadly passed away, as confirmed by family members. She was 86 years old. According to a family statement, she passed away peacefully this morning.
My mom, Marian Robinson, was my foundation, always supporting me in every way I needed, the former First Lady shared on X on Friday. “She provided that same unwavering support for our whole family, and it breaks our hearts to announce that she has passed away today.”
Former President Obama shared on X, “There was and will be only one Marian Robinson.” He continued, “In our sorrow, we find comfort in the remarkable legacy she left behind. We will dedicate our lives to honoring her example.”
Marian Robinson, originally named Marian Lois Shields, was born on July 30, 1937. She is the mother of Michelle Obama, who served as the First Lady of the United States.
Marian Robinson was married to Fraser Robinson III and is the proud grandmother of Malia and Sasha Obama. She played a significant role in her family’s life, especially during her daughter Michelle’s time in the White House.
In her early adult years, Marian tied the knot with Fraser Robinson III, a World War II veteran who served as a pump operator for the Chicago Water Department. They made their home in a modest neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago and welcomed two children, Craig and Michelle. Although Fraser had a stable job, it often required long hours, leaving Marian to take charge of the household and raise their kids. She emphasized the values of integrity, education, and perseverance in their upbringing.
The family often reflected on how Mrs. Robinson witnessed her parents navigate the challenges of racial segregation. Her father, Purnell Shields, faced barriers that prevented him from joining a union or working for certain construction companies because of his race.
During Barack Obama’s presidency, Marian lived in the White House to support the First Family, particularly her granddaughters. She was recognized for bringing a sense of normalcy and stability to Malia and Sasha’s lives as they grew up in the public eye. Despite the prominence of her daughter and son-in-law, Marian maintained a low profile and was seen as a steady presence in the Obama family.
After leaving the White House in early 2017, Michelle’s mother returned to Chicago, where she spent her later years.
