Marian Robinson, the mother of Michelle Obama, passed away on May 31, 2024 at the age of 86. The news was announced by Barack and Michelle Obama, as well as Craig and Kelly Robinson and their children in statements released to various media outlets.
Robinson moved into the White House with her daughter's family when Barack Obama was inaugurated as President in 2009. She was initially meant to stay only temporarily, but ended up staying for most of Obama's presidency. During her time at the White House, she provided stability and support for Michelle and their two daughters, Malia and Sasha.
Robinson preferred to keep a low profile at the White House, allowing her to come and go freely. She was never comfortable with its trappings and often took her dinner on a TV tray in her third-floor suite. The only guest she asked to meet was the pope.
Born in Chicago, Robinson was known for being down-to-earth and providing emotional support to her family during their time at the White House. She traveled abroad for the first time on Air Force One with the Obamas in 2009.
On election night 2008, when Barack Obama won the presidency, Robinson was by his side. She had initially doubted that he and Michelle would last together, predicting that their relationship would only last for six months. However, she later described feeling overwhelmed with emotion during the momentous occasion.
Robinson's move to Washington was not without challenges. She struggled to adjust to the celebrity lifestyle and often slipped out of the White House on her own to visit friends. David Axelrod, former Obama senior adviser, remembered Robinson as 'just a great lady.'
Michelle Obama posted on social media that her mother was her rock and had always been there for whatever she needed. Barack Obama wrote that Marian Robinson was his rock through it all.
Robinson's death has been met with an outpouring of tributes from those who knew her, including former President Bill Clinton and former first lady Hillary Clinton. The cause of her death was not disclosed in the statements.