Former First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, has sadly passed away at the age of 86. This news was confirmed by the family through a statement that was released to NBC News. The statement expressed the family’s deep sorrow and stated that they were unsure how they would move forward without Marian. The announcement was made by Michelle and Barack Obama, along with their daughters, Malia and Sasha, and Michelle’s siblings, Maya, Averi, Leslie, Marian, Oshtin, and Aharon.

Marian Robinson gained recognition as the “first grandmother” of the nation after her son-in-law was elected President in 2008. She resided in the White House for eight years and frequently attended state events, occasionally showcasing her love for the arts in the East Room. However, her main focus and joy were spending time with her granddaughters, Sasha and Malia.

In 2009, Marian made the decision to move from Chicago to Washington, D.C. to be closer to her daughters and to help raise her then-eight and ten-year-old granddaughters. In an interview with CBS, she shared her excitement for this new chapter in her life, emphasizing the importance of their safety and well-being: “I was concerned about their security and my responsibility as their grandmother. That’s what made me move to Washington.”

Despite the sorrowful news, Marian Robinson’s legacy as a devoted grandmother and beloved member of the Obama family will continue to be remembered.