Marian Robinson, mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama, has died at age 86, the family announced Friday. She passed away peacefully in the morning, according to a statement.
Michelle Obama shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, calling her mother “my rock.” She wrote: “She was there for whatever I needed—the same steady support for our whole family. We’re heartbroken to lose her today.”
Former President Barack Obama also honored his mother-in-law online, calling her one-of-a-kind. “We feel lucky to have had her in our lives,” he posted. “We’ll spend our years trying to live by her example.”
Born Marian Shields in 1937, she married Fraser Robinson III, a Chicago water department worker and WWII veteran. The couple raised Michelle and her brother Craig in a modest South Side home.
Despite facing racial barriers—her father was denied union jobs due to segregation—Marian stressed education and strength to her children. These values helped shape Michelle’s path to Princeton and beyond.
During Barack Obama’s presidency, Marian moved into the White House to help care for granddaughters Malia and Sasha. She provided normalcy for the girls during their extraordinary childhood.
Though quiet in public, family say Marian was the Obama’s “secret weapon”—offering wisdom, home-cooked meals, and unconditional love through historic challenges.
After the presidency, Marian returned to Chicago, enjoying a private life away from cameras. Her health had declined in recent years.
The Obamas have asked for privacy as they grieve. No funeral details have been shared yet.
Marian leaves behind a legacy as the humble matriarch who helped raise America’s first Black first family—proving that behind every great woman, there’s often an even greater mother.