Former first lady Michelle Obama announced Friday afternoon that her mother, Marian Shields Robinson, had died at the age of 86.
In a Twitter post for herself and former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama said Robinson was “her rock” and “whatever I needed, he was always there.” (RELATED: Michelle Obama’s office addresses rumors about presidential election)
“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, caused all around her to pause and think. 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 always be polished with a bit of kindness,” the Obamas and Robinson said. I have written It’s a reflection of her life.
My mother, Marian Robinson, was my rock and always there for whatever I needed. She was a constant presence for our entire family. It is with great sadness that we share that she passed away today. I would like to share some memories of her wonderful life. https://t.co/F7T6q625PC
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) May 31, 2024
According to the statement, Robinson was a native of Chicago’s South Side, the daughter of Pernell Shields and Rebecca Jumper, and one of seven children. In October 1960, Robinson married Fraser Robinson, who died in 1991 and was described as “another Southerner with a boxer’s strength and a jazz lover’s cool” and who eventually gave birth to Michelle Obama and her brother Craig Robinson.
“As a grandmother, she watched her grandchildren grow and develop from infancy through adulthood, inspired them, listened to them, told them she was proud of them and made them feel loved as if they were amazing in every way,” the statement read. “And as a sister, aunt, cousin, neighbor and friend to so many, she was loved beyond words by countless people whose lives were improved by her presence. We will all miss her so much and wish she were here to give us some perspective and heal our heavy hearts with her laughter and wisdom.”
