When Marian Robinson moved from her longtime home in Chicago to Washington, D.C., during the early days of the Obama administration, she did so not for recognition—but for family. As the mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama and grandmother to Malia and Sasha, Robinson became a comforting, steady presence behind the scenes at the White House.
On Friday, the Obama family announced that Marian Robinson passed away peacefully at the age of 86. In a heartfelt statement shared on behalf of her grandchildren Avery, Leslie, Malia, Sasha, Austin, and Aaron; her son Craig and his wife Kelly; and Michelle and Barack Obama, the family said: “She passed away quietly this morning, and at this time, none of us is quite sure how exactly we’ll move on without her.”
Though she was not a public figure by choice, Robinson was often referred to as the “First Grandma,” a nickname that reflected the essential role she played during the Obama presidency. From attending holiday events to traveling on special occasions, she was always present—but preferred to stay out of the spotlight. Her main focus was offering love, support, and stability to her young granddaughters as they navigated a life unlike any they had known before.
Relocating to Washington was not an easy decision for Robinson. She was deeply rooted in her Chicago community. But as she once explained, it was her concern for her granddaughters’ well-being that ultimately convinced her. “I felt like this was going to be a very hard life for both of them,” she said of Michelle and Barack. “And I was concerned about my grandchildren’s safety. That’s what led me to Washington, D.C.”
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