Michelle Obama, along with her family, is in mourning following the "peaceful" passing of her mother, Marian Robison, on May 31 at the age of 86. "My mom Marian Robinson was my rock, always there for whatever I needed," the former first lady wrote in the caption of a gallery she shared on Instagram with Barack Obama. We are devastated to learn that she passed away today because she was our family's constant rock.
The family's statement, displayed in the gallery, painted a picture of Marian's life. It said, 'Her wisdom seemed almost innate, as if she were born with it, but in reality, it was hard-won, shaped by her profound understanding that life's harshest edges could be smoothed with a touch of grace.'
According to the statement, Marian was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, one of seven siblings. She initially pursued a career in teaching before finding work as a secretary. She met and married Fraser Robinson, and the couple raised Michelle and her brother Craig in a 'cozy upstairs apartment' after falling in love.
She taught her kids to read, volunteered for the PTA, and wasn't afraid to voice her opinions. She even reprimanded a police officer who thought Craig had stolen a bike and forced him to apologize.
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They spoke of Marian's unwavering support, how she held Barack's hand after his 2008 election victory, and how she was always there for them. She moved into the White House with Michelle and Barack, saying, 'We needed her.' She was a pillar for the girls, and as the statement continued, 'And she ended up being our rock through it all.'
Marian lost her spouse when she was young; he died on March 6, 1991, at the age of 55. The family expressed their deep sadness for her departure but found solace in knowing that she is back in Fraser's arms, that she has placed her TV tray next to his chair, and that they are holding highball glasses while she fills him in on the details of this unique and crazy journey. She has missed him.
Michelle and Barack, Craig and his wife Kelly, and her grandchildren Avery, Leslie, Malia, Sasha, Austin, and Aaron signed the statement regarding her passing.
May she rest in eternal peace.
