“She was there for whatever I needed—the same steady support for our whole family. We’re heartbroken to lose her today,” Michelle wrote.
Former President Barack Obama also honored his mother-in-law, describing her as 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 World War II veteran. Together, they raised Michelle and her brother, Craig Robinson, in a modest home on Chicago’s South Side.
Marian Robinson was widely admired for her quiet strength, wisdom, and unwavering devotion to her family. She remained a constant source of support throughout Michelle Obama’s life and continued to be a beloved presence for the entire family.
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of condolences and tributes from people across the country, reflecting the lasting impact she had on those who knew her story.
Her legacy of kindness, humility, and unconditional love will continue to inspire future generations, and her family says they will honor her memory by living according to the values she demonstrated every day.