Hearts are heavy with grief as Michelle Obama, the beloved former First Lady of the United States, shares the heartbreaking news of her mother’s passing. Marian Robinson, a cherished member of the Obama family, passed away at the age of 86. Michelle took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express her profound loss.
According to Michelle, her mother was her rock and a constant source of support. Marian’s presence was not only felt by her immediate family but by the entire household. Michelle’s sorrow was palpable as she wrote, “We are heartbroken to share she passed away today.”
In a joint family statement, Michelle and the family reflected on Marian’s wisdom and her ability to encapsulate life’s truths in a few simple words. Some of Marian’s favorite sayings included:
“Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
“Know what’s truly precious.”
“As a parent, you’re not raising babies — you’re raising little people.”
“Don’t worry about whether anybody else likes you. Come home. We’ll always like you here.”
The statement also highlighted Marian’s vital role during the family’s time at the White House. She provided unwavering support to both Michelle and Barack Obama throughout their eight years in office. Her deep love and commitment were evident as she made the decision to move to the White House and be there for her grandchildren.
Marian adored being a grandmother to Malia and Sasha, as well as to her other grandchildren, Avery, Leslie, Austin, and Aaron. While she enjoyed the freedom of grandparenthood, she always provided a gentle yet firm hand. The statement affectionately mentioned that she often sided with her “grandbabies” when it came to rules set by their parents.
Marian passed away peacefully on the morning of May 31. As the family looks to the future, they acknowledge the challenges of moving forward without her and the profound impact her absence will have on their lives.
Marian Robinson’s life was a testament to love, wisdom, and unwavering support. Her memory will endure forever in the hearts of those who loved her dearly.
