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Marian Robinson, the mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama, passed away at the page of 86 on Friday.

Both Michelle and her husband, former President Barack Obama, issued statements online in honor of Robinson's passing. The former first lady wrote in a post to X, formerly known as Twitter, that her mother "was my rock, always there for whatever I needed."

"She was the same steady backstop for our entire family, and we are heartbroken to share she passed away today," Michelle said.

The family said in a shared statement that Robinson "passed peacefully this morning, and right now, none of us are quite sure how exactly we'll move on without her."

Robinson, a Chicago native, moved to Washington, D.C., after Barack Obama won the 2008 presidential election. During her son-in-law's eight years in office, she became a well-known figure in the White House and made occasional appearances at holiday celebrations and other events. Her priority, however, was taking care of her granddaughters, Malia and Sasha, who were 10 and 7 years old when their father became president.

During a 2018 interview with CBS News, Robinson said that after Barack Obama was elected, she "felt like this was going to be a very hard life for both" him and her daughter.

"And I was worried about their safety. And I was worried about my grandkids. I mean, that's what got me to move to DC," Robinson said.

The joint statement regarding Robinson's death was signed by the former president and former first lady as well as Michelle's older brother, Craig Robinson, and his wife Kelly. Marian Robinson's six grandchildrenAvery, Leslie, Malia, Sasha, Austin and Aaronwere also signed on the statement.

Family members described Robinson as having a "wisdom" that "came off as almost innate," and said that she was nothing but "encouraging" to her children as they forged their own career paths.

"At every step, as our families went down paths none of us could have predicted, she remained our refuge from the storm, keeping our feet on solid ground," the statement read. "On Election Night in 2008, when the news broke that Barack would soon shoulder the weight of the world, she was there, holding his hand."

Barack Obama said in his own statement regarding his mother-in-law's passing, "There was and will be only one Marian Robinson. In our sadness, we are lifted up by the extraordinary gift of her life. And we will spend the rest of ours trying to live up to her example."

Tributes poured out on social media following the news of Robinson's passing. Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey wrote in response to the former first lady's post to X that his "thoughts are with the Obama and Robinson families as they grieve this great loss and remember her remarkable life."

Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly wrote that, "Marian Robinson was a true Chicagoan who instilled our values of family and community to her children and grandchildren. My heart is with the Obama and Robinson families as they grieve and remember her extraordinary life."

"RIP Mrs. Marian Robinson, who has passed away at the age of 86. Mrs. Robinson was the beloved mother of former First Lady, Mrs. @MichelleObama," posted Shermichael Singleton, a political commentator and Republican strategist. "You and your late husband, Mr. Fraser Robinson III, did an outstanding job raising Mrs. Obama and Craig Robinson."

Niall Stanage, a White House columnist for The Hill, shared an image taken in 2008 of Robinson on the night that her son-in-law won the presidential election. The image features Barack Obama holding Robinson's hand while sitting on a couch.

"One of the simplest yet most moving news photos I've ever seen," Stanage wrote along with the post.

Funeral proceedings have not been announced by the Obama and Robinson families at this time.

Update 05/31/24, 7:41 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional information and background.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

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Michelle Obama's Message on Her Mother's Death - Newsweek

First Lady Michelle and former President Barack Obama posted a statement today announcing the passing of Michelles mother Marian Shields Robinson, and the Black Internet wasted no time sending their love and prayers to Obamas in honor of the matriarch.

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Marian Robinson was truly an inspiration. Her legacy of kindness and strength will continue to guide us all, wrote Pablo Joselu on X.

George O. Obikoya added, Accept my condolences May her soul rest in peace. Amen.

A retired Black Navy physician by the name of Michael Walker wrote, Very sorry for your loss. Your mother-in-law raised a wonderful, thriving family.

And then this social media commentator wrote what we all have been thinking since the Obamas left the White House and the whole Trump circus started: Bless your mom for raising one of the best First Ladies we ever had.

Amen.

In celebration of her life, Michelle posted a tribute written by Barack in which he delved deeper into Robinsons life and her impact on three generations of family.

My mom Marian Robinson was my rock, always there for whatever I needed, wrote Michelle. She was the same steady backstop for our entire family, and we are heartbroken to share she passed away today. We wanted to offer some reflections on her remarkable life.

Earlier this month Michelle posted a poignant message honoring her mother on on Mothers Day, May 12, and gushed that she felt lucky that she gets to pass that same wisdom down to my own girls, she said.

And if you remember this CBS interview with Gayle King, some of that wisdom included teaching First daughters Sasha and Malia how to do laundry in the White House.

And then lets not forget this 2009 interview Robinson gave in which she gushed that both her kids, Michelle and Craig, were always simply set and determined when it came to their plans in life.

Judging from Baracks tribute, these were qualities that Robinson instilled in her children as she supported her children with radiating grace.

Her wisdom came off as almost innate, as something she was born with, but in reality it was hard-earned, fashioned by her deep understanding that the worlds roughest edges could always be sanded down with a little grace, wrote Barack in his tribute. ... In our sadness, we are lifted up by the extraordinary gift of her life. And we will spend the rest of ours trying to live up to her example.

Rest in power, Mrs. Robinson.

Originally posted here:
RIP: Reactions to Death of First Lady Michelle Obama's Mom - The Root

Marian Shields Robinson, the matriarch whose nurturing spirit profoundly shaped America's first African-American First Family, passed away at age 86. In a statement shared by former President Barack Obama and signed by the entire family:

She passed peacefully this morning, and right now, none of us are quite sure how exactly well move on without her.

Robinson was raised in a household with five sisters and two brothers, Robinsons upbringing was a modest means but with close family bond.

Her father worked tirelessly as a house painter while her mother served diligently as a licensed practical nurse, instilling in their children the values of hard work and dedication.

Robinsons journey from a lively Chicago neighborhood to the White House proves her strength and resilience. In her own career, sheexcelled as a bank executive secretary, but it was her role as mother to Michelle and brother Craig Robinson, wife to Fraser C. Robinson III and as grandmother to a host of grandchildren that defined her legacy.

When her son-in-law, Barack Obama, launched his campaign for the presidency, Robinson retired from her position in the banking industry to watch over her granddaughters, Malia and Sasha. She acted to ensure her family experienced a semblance of normalcy being caught in a whirlwind of political pressures.

Living in the White House, Robinson became a silent yet steadfast presence. She maintained a low profile but her influence was felt. Often taking her granddaughters to school and being there for them, she provided grounding during the Obama family's historic administration. Her involvement allowed Michelle Obama to focus on being First Lady, supporting initiatives that ranged from advocating for military families to promoting healthy eating and exercise.

Robinsons influence extended beyond her immediate family. She often shared wisdomfrom her own life experiences, emphasizing the importance of education and community service. Her quiet strength showed the nation the importance of family values.

In reflecting on her mother's impact, Michelle Obama often highlighted Robinsons role in shaping her own approach to motherhood and public service. Robinson's presence was not just a pillar for the Obama family but a relatable symbol of the vital role grandmothers play in many families.

The whole world is full of little Craigs and little Michelles, shed often remind us, underlining the beauty and potential within every child.

Marian Shields Robinson remains a figure of grace and strength, demonstrating that behind every great family is often a matriarch whose influence is immeasurable.

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Marian Shields Robinson: The Matriarch Behind the Obama Family Has Passed at 86 Marian Shields Robinson: The ... - EBONY

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

(NNPA Newswire) Marian Robinson, mother to former first lady Michelle Obama, died on May 31, at age 86. Her loved ones said she leaves behind a void in the hearts of many. As a steadfast figure in the Obama White House, Robinsons presence extended far beyond familial ties, touching the lives of all who knew her.

Marian Lois Shields set out on a journey that was characterized by fortitude and compassion after emerging from the vibrant tapestry of Chicagos South Side. From her early days as a teacher to her later role as a trusted secretary, Robinsons life was a testament to the values of family and service, showcasing her personal achievements and contributions.

In a heartfelt tribute, Michelle Obama fondly recalled her mothers enduring influence, describing her as the unwavering pillar of their family. Robinsons wisdom, honed through lifes diverse experiences, was a beacon of light during times of uncertainty. Her steadfast support and gentle nature were not just sources of strength but unique qualities that endeared her to the entire Obama clan.

Throughout Barack Obamas historic presidency, Marian Robinson was a symbol of stability, offering sage advice and unconditional love. Despite the grandeur of the White House, she maintained her down-to-earth charm, forging deep connections with staff and finding solace in everyday routines, thereby extending her influence beyond her immediate family.

Reflecting on her mothers legacy, Michelle Obama shared cherished memories of their time, illustrating their profound bond. Robinsons unwavering presence and nurturing spirit created a sense of home amidst the whirlwind of public life.

Her wisdom came off as almost innate, as something she was born with, but in reality, it was hard-earned, fashioned by her deep understanding that the worlds roughest edges could always be sanded down with a little grace, the family said.

Michelle, Barack, Malia and Sasha Obama; and Craig, Kelly, Avery, Leslie, Austin and Aaron Robinson joined to pen a heartfelt remembrance of the matriarch.

Our mother, mother-in-law, and grandmother had a way of summing up the truths about life in a word or two, maybe a quick phrase that made everyone around her stop and think, they wrote. Dont sweat the small stuff. Know whats truly precious. As a parent, youre not raising babies youre raising little people. Dont worry about whether anybody else likes you. Come home. Well always like you here.

The family recalled that, as a young woman, Robinson studied to become a teacher before working as a secretary. She fell quickly and madly in love with Fraser Robinson, another South-Sider with a boxers strength and jazz-lovers cool. Together, they raised two children, Craig and Michelle, in a tiny upstairs apartment on Euclid Avenue in South Shore.

Robinson volunteered for the PTA and taught her children to read at an early age, sitting together as they sounded out words on a page, giving them the strength and confidence to walk to school and out into the world all on their own. She once chewed out a police officer who had accused Craig of stealing a bike, demanding that the adult apologize to her son.

On summer nights, shed pack the family into the car with a steaming plate of chicken for a trip to the drive-in movies. On New Years Eve, shed pass around pigs in a blanket and raise a toast to Auld Lang Syne. And every night, for years on end, she and Fraser would hold court at the dinner table, where they indulged all manner of questioning, teaching their children to believe in the power and worth of their own voices.

On Election Night in 2008, when the news broke that Barack would soon shoulder the weight of the world, she was there, holding his hand, the family wrote. With a healthy nudge, she agreed to move to the White House with Michelle and Barack. We needed her. The girls needed her. And she ended up being our rock through it all.

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Marian Robinson, mother-in-law to Obama, passes away at 86 - Afro American Newspaper

Marian Robinson, mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama and basketball executive Craig Robinson, passed away Friday at 86 years old. The Chicago-born woman worked as a secretary and executive assistant before moving to the White House with her daughter and son in-law. She built a reputation during Barack Obamas presidential campaign as being a rock to the family. Often described as being humble and family oriented, the former president once called her the least pretentious person I know.

She grew up one of seven children on the red-lined South Side of Chicago, the daughter of Purnell Shields and Rebecca Jumper, a statement from Barack and Michelle Obama, Kelly and Craig Robinson, and the couples children, read. She learned early that even in the face of hardship, there was music to be found.

Craig and Michelle grew up in the same Chicago neighborhood, raised by Marian and her husband Fraser, a Democratic municipal official who passed in 1991.

Every night, for years on end, she and Fraser would hold court at the dinner table, where they indulged all manner of questioning, teaching their children to believe in the power and worth of their own voices, the statement read.

The two children were pushed to great heights by their mother, both attending Princeton University for their undergraduate degrees, with Michelle attending Harvard Law School.

When Craig decided to leave a lucrative finance job to pursue his dream of coaching basketball, she was there with her wholehearted support, the family said. Craig is currently the Executive Director of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, a body representing college men's basketball coaches.

When Michelle married a guy crazy enough to go into politics, she was just as encouraging, the statement said. At every step, as our families went down paths none of us could have predicted, she remained our refuge from the storm, keeping our feet on solid ground.

Robinson, who spent her 8-year stint in the White House taking care of First Daughters Sasha and Malia, rarely taking a public spotlight, moved back to Chicago in 2017, where she reconnected with old friends

Robinson watched earlier this month when the Obamas announced that an exhibit documenting the White House in the Obama Presidential Center Museum would be dedicated to her in a Mothers Day video.

There was and will be only one Marian Robinson. In our sadness, we are lifted up by the extraordinary gift of her life. And we will spend the rest of ours trying to live up to her example, the family wrote.

Read the full tribute here.

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Obamas pen touching tribute to Marian Robinson, Michelle's mother - Salon