The mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama passed away
today.
Marion Robinson, once known as the first grandmother of the
White House during the Obama administration.
More now from WGN Shannon Halligan.
When her son-in-law, Barack Obama,
was elected president, Marion Robinson agreed to move into the
White House.
But after she moved back here to her hometown of
Chicago.
I'm going to read a story today from Chicago to
the White House and back.
Marion Shields Robinson was born on the South Side in
1937.
That's where she married and raised two children,
Craig and former first lady Michelle Obama.
On Friday, family members announced Robinson had died at the
age of 86.
I'm Michelle, otherwise known as Marian Robinson's daughter.
The Obama Foundation released this tribute in 2022 from the
former first lady to her mother.
My mother gave me that nonstop,
unconditional love that was so important for me to grow
up.
In so many ways. She fostered in me a deep
sense of confidence in who I was and who I
could be by teaching me how to think for myself.
Barack and Michelle Obama released a statement on the passing
of Mrs.
Marion Robinson. In it, they credit her with being the
family's rock during their time at the White House,
saying she agreed to move to the White House to
help care for Malia and Sasha.
After a healthy nudge, Michelle Obama said,
quote, my mom, Marian Robinson was my rock,
always there for whatever I needed.
She was the same steady backstop for our entire family
and we are heartbroken to share she passed away.
Today. When the Obama Presidential Center opens in Jackson Park,
there will be an exhibit dedicated to Marion Robinson.
It's an exhibit called. Opening the White House.
And it's infused with so many of the values that
my mother instilled in me.
Community, family, bringing people in,
creating a warm, welcoming space where everyone feels at home.
Governor JB Pritzker expressed condolences to the family,
saying her legacy inspires us to live as she did,
with kindness, passion and strength.
The statement said. After the White House,
Misses Robinson returned here to Chicago,
reconnecting with longtime friends, trading wisecracks,
enjoying a good glass of wine.
She passed away peacefully this morning in The Newsroom.
Shannon Halligan, WGN News.