Marian Robinson, beloved mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama and a quiet yet steady presence in the Obama White House, passed away peacefully at the age of 86. Her family—including Michelle, Barack, Craig, and her six grandchildren—announced her death on May 31, saying, “She was our rock. She passed away quietly this morning, and none of us quite know how to move on without her.”

Robinson gained national attention in 2009 when she left her lifelong home in Chicago to move into the White House and help raise her granddaughters, Malia and Sasha. Despite her proximity to power, she remained humble and grounded—choosing quiet moments over public fanfare, and preferring a TV tray and view of the Washington Monument to celebrity gatherings.

The Obamas credit her with helping their daughters stay rooted during their time in the spotlight. President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden called her a devoted grandmother with a “fierce and unconditional love” for her family. Michelle recently honored her mother by dedicating an exhibit in her name at the Obama Presidential Center.

“There was and will be only one Marian Robinson,” her family said. “She taught us strength without show, love without condition, and how to carry ourselves with quiet dignity. The extraordinary gift of her life lifts us in our sadness—and we will try to live by her example always.”