Obama Family Mourns the Peaceful Passing of Marian Robinson at 86

In a heartfelt announcement, the Obama family shared the somber news that Marian Robinson, the beloved mother of Michelle Obama and grandmother to Malia and Sasha, has passed away at the age of 86. According to a statement released to NBC News, Robinson’s children and grandchildren, including Michelle, Craig, and their respective families, said she “left us peacefully this morning. It’s difficult to imagine life without her.”

Marian Robinson moved into the White House in 2009, shortly after Barack Obama’s inauguration as the 44th president of the United States. She had one mission in mind: to help care for her granddaughters as their lives transformed overnight. Though she preferred to remain out of the public eye, Robinson became a quiet force in the First Family’s life, participating in family celebrations, attending cultural events, and joining official travels abroad. Yet her favorite place remained the family’s private residence, where she offered guidance, enforced screen-time limits, and offered support—especially when the girls felt their parents were being too strict.

Raised in Chicago’s South Side and born in 1937, Robinson spent her life prioritizing family. After losing her husband Fraser to multiple sclerosis in 1991, she focused on raising their children, Michelle and Craig, with unwavering dedication. Years later, she embraced her role as grandmother with the same strength and warmth, stepping in to support her daughter’s family during their time in the White House. “Their parents had so much on their plate,” she once told CBS. “I just wanted to be there for the girls—and to make sure they were okay.”

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden offered their respects, saying, “Her warmth and kindness touched everyone who met her. Marian Robinson represented the heart of what family means.” The Bidens extended their condolences to the Obamas and Robinson’s extended family.

Despite living in the most high-profile residence in the country, Robinson never lost her love for simplicity. She reportedly insisted on doing her own laundry and spent quiet moments enjoying television with a view of the Washington Monument. “She never got caught up in the glamor,” Barack Obama once remarked, describing her as “the most down-to-earth person I know.”

Just a few months ago, Michelle Obama paid tribute to her mother by dedicating a new exhibit to her at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. “My mother gave me the confidence to speak up, trust myself, and understand my worth,” she said. “Everything I’ve become is because of her.”

Marian Robinson’s passing marks the end of a deeply meaningful era for the Obama family, and for many Americans who admired her grace. Her loved ones described her legacy as one of love, strength, and unwavering devotion. “Her lessons will live on in all of us,” the family concluded.

She is survived by her two children, six grandchildren, and a lifetime of quiet but powerful influence.