Marian Robinson, mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama, passed away peacefully at the age of 86. Known as the “First Grandmother” during Barack Obama’s presidency, she moved from Chicago to the White House in 2009 to help care for her granddaughters, Malia and Sasha, then aged 7 and 10.
Though she kept a low profile, Marian became a steady presence in the White House—attending concerts, family events, and even international trips, but always prioritizing time with her granddaughters. She was described as humble and down-to-earth, once insisting on doing her own laundry and preferring quiet evenings with a TV tray over socializing with celebrities.
Her family, including Michelle, Barack, and her son Craig Robinson, described her as a pillar of love and support. Michelle once said she owes her confidence and values to her mother, and honored her recently by naming an exhibit after her at the Obama Presidential Center.
President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden also paid tribute, calling her a loving and dedicated mother and grandmother whose spirit lives on in the family she helped raise.
“There was and will be only one Marian Robinson,” her family said. “We’ll carry her memory and example with us always.”
