Marian Robinson, the mother of former first lady Michelle Obama, passed away on Friday at the age of 86. She moved into the White House with the Obama family, helping care for her young granddaughters and providing a steady presence in their lives.
“We needed her. The girls needed her. And she ended up being our rock through it all,” her family shared in a statement.
Robinson preferred to stay out of the spotlight, but she was a familiar face at many significant moments for the Obama family. She was often seen at holiday celebrations and other events with her daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughters, Sasha and Malia.
One memorable moment was on election night in 2008 when she was photographed holding Barack Obama’s hand as they watched the election results that led to him becoming the nation’s first Black president.
“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 family stated.
Born in 1937 on Chicago’s South Side, Robinson was one of seven children. She pursued a career in teaching and later worked as a secretary. In 1960, she married Fraser Robinson, and they had two children, Michelle and Craig. Fraser passed away in 1991 after battling multiple sclerosis.
“The trappings and glamour of the White House were never a great fit for Marian Robinson,” the statement said. Instead of mingling with VIP guests, she preferred to stay upstairs with a TV tray, enjoying the view of the Washington Monument from her room.
She also enjoyed slipping out of the White House to run errands, like going to the drug store. During the Obamas’ time in the White House from 2009 to 2017, the only person she specifically asked to meet was the Pope.
Robinson is survived by her children, their spouses, and six grandchildren.
“She passed peacefully this morning, and right now, none of us are quite sure how exactly we’ll move on without her,” the family shared.
