Quote from Alex bobby on June 1, 2024, 6:07 AM

WASHINGTON — Marian Shields Robinson, mother of Michelle Obama and mother-in-law to former President Barack Obama, has passed away at the age of 86.

Michelle Obama and her family announced Robinson’s death in a statement, expressing their sorrow and gratitude: "There was and will be only one Marian Robinson. In our sadness, we are lifted up by the extraordinary gift of her life."

Robinson, a lifelong Chicago resident and widow, moved to the White House in 2009 to help care for her granddaughters, Malia and Sasha, after Barack Obama's election. Initially hesitant to leave Chicago, she was persuaded by Michelle and her son, Craig Robinson. Reflecting on her decision, Robinson wrote in the foreword to Craig’s memoir, A Game of Character, about the importance of supporting her granddaughters and helping them maintain a sense of normalcy.

Malia and Sasha were 10 and 7 when they moved into the White House, and Robinson had already been a significant presence in their lives during the 2008 campaign. She retired from her job as a bank secretary to focus on their care. At the White House, her unobtrusive presence provided stability for the girls, as she escorted them to and from school without the attention that Secret Service protection would have brought.

In her 2018 memoir, Becoming, Michelle Obama credited her mother’s unwavering support and love as fundamental to her own success: "She has always been my rock, allowing me the freedom to be who I am, while never allowing my feet to get too far off the ground."

Robinson maintained a low profile during her time at the White House, avoiding media attention and enjoying a level of privacy envied by the First Family. This allowed her the freedom to engage in everyday activities like shopping and attending events, as well as traveling to visit family and friends.

Robinson participated in various White House events, including concerts, the annual Easter Egg Roll, National Christmas Tree lighting, and state dinners. Her move to the White House also provided her with unique travel opportunities. She flew internationally for the first time aboard Air Force One in 2009 and joined the Obamas on trips to France, Russia, Italy, Ghana, South Africa, Botswana, and China, experiencing global cultures and historical landmarks.

Craig Robinson recounted in his memoir that he and his parents were initially skeptical about Michelle's relationship with Barack Obama. Despite their reservations, the couple married on October 3, 1992, and their union became a cornerstone of a historic presidency.

Born Marian Lois Shields in Chicago on July 30, 1937, she was one of seven children. She attended two years of teaching college before marrying Fraser Robinson in 1960. As a stay-at-home mother, she emphasized the value of education to her children, both of whom attended Princeton University. Michelle Obama further pursued a law degree from Harvard. Fraser Robinson, who worked as a pump operator for the Chicago Water Department, passed away in 1991 after battling multiple sclerosis.

Marian Shields Robinson's legacy is marked by her devotion to family, her resilience, and her unwavering support for her daughter and granddaughters.

Marian Shields Robinson's life was a testament to dedication, love, and resilience. Her journey from a lifelong Chicago resident to a steadfast matriarch in the White House underscores the profound impact she had on her family and, indirectly, on the nation. Reluctantly leaving her familiar surroundings to support her daughter, Michelle Obama, and granddaughters, Malia and Sasha, Robinson brought stability and normalcy to their lives amidst the pressures of the presidency.

Her nurturing presence, which Michelle Obama credited as instrumental in her own and her daughters' growth, provided a foundation of unconditional love and support. Robinson's ability to maintain privacy and independence, even while living in the public eye, speaks to her strength and character. Her experiences, from everyday activities to global travels, highlighted a life enriched by new opportunities and deep familial bonds.

Marian Shields Robinson's legacy extends beyond her immediate family. Her story of steadfastness, commitment to education, and quiet yet powerful support serves as an inspiration. As the Obamas and the nation mourn her passing, they also celebrate the extraordinary life of a woman who played an integral role in one of the most significant chapters in American history.