Marian Robinson, the mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama, has passed away, according to a statement from her family.
“There was and there will always be only one Marian Robinson,” former President Barack Obama wrote in a post on X on Friday night. “Even as we mourn, we are heartened by the incredible gift of her life, and we will strive to live out her example for the rest of our lives.”
A family statement written by Michelle Obama and Barack Obama, Craig and Kelly Robinson, and Robinson’s grandchildren Avery, Leslie, Malia, Sasha, Austin and Aaron, praised the 86-year-old Obama’s legacy of wisdom and hard work.
“Our mother, mother-in-law and grandmother, Marian Lois Shields Robinson, had a gift for summing up life’s truths in a few words – phrases that, perhaps, made everyone around her stop and think,” the family wrote. “Her wisdom seemed innate, born with it, but in reality it was hard-earned, shaped by her deep understanding that the world’s roughest edges can be polished with a little kindness.”
Melania Trump announces death of ‘beloved’ mother: ‘We will miss her beyond measure’
Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, has died at the age of 86. (Moderate)
Robinson was a regular visitor to the Obama home during Obama’s presidency and moved in with the family after he took office in 2008.
“With a healthy dose of encouragement, she agreed to move into the White House with Michelle and Barack,” the family wrote. “We needed her. Our daughters needed her. And she ended up being our rock through it all.”
President Barack Obama speaks at the 2012 National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials conference in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (AP2012)
According to her family, during her stay at the White House, Robinson not only pampered her beloved grandchildren, but also enforced strict bedtimes for her children and enjoyed watching TV and eating candy.
Former Obama campaign staffer and his wife killed in Southern California car crash
“With her motherly responsibilities lightened, she has been able to enjoy more fun and games while safely away from the dangers of spoiling her grandchildren,” the family wrote.
After completing his stint in Washington, DC, Robinson returned to his hometown of Chicago, Illinois.
Marian Robinson, mother of First Lady Michelle Obama, waves during the annual Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on April 25, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images)
Robinson was born in Chicago in 1937 and grew up on the South Side of the city, where she raised her daughter and son, Craig.
She was married to Fraser Robinson, who died of multiple sclerosis in 1991.
Click here to get the FOX News app
The family’s statement concluded with, “There is only one Marian Robinson and there always will be.”
