Marian Robinson, mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama, has died at age 86, the family announced Friday. She passed away peacefully in the morning, according to a statement.

Michelle Obama shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, calling her mother “my rock.” She wrote: “She was there for whatever I needed—the same steady support for our whole family. We’re heartbroken to lose her today.”

Former President Barack Obama also honored his mother-in-law online, calling her 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 WWII veteran. The couple raised Michelle and her brother Craig in a modest South Side home.

Despite facing racial barriers—her father was denied union jobs due to segregation—Marian stressed education and strength to her children. These values helped shape Michelle’s path to Princeton and beyond.

During Barack Obama’s presidency, Marian moved into the White House to help care for granddaughters Malia and Sasha. She provided normalcy for the girls during their extraordinary childhood.

Though quiet in public, family say Marian was the Obama’s “secret weapon”—offering wisdom, home-cooked meals, and unconditional love through historic challenges.

After the presidency, Marian returned to Chicago, enjoying a private life away from cameras. Her health had declined in recent years.

The Obamas have asked for privacy as they grieve. No funeral details have been shared yet.

Marian leaves behind a legacy as the humble matriarch who helped raise America’s first Black first family—proving that behind every great woman, there’s often an even greater mother.

The Obama family is mourning the loss of Marian Robinson, the beloved mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama. At the age of 86, Marian passed away peacefully on a Friday morning, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and wisdom.

Michelle Obama took to social media to share a heartfelt tribute to her mother, describing her as “my rock.” She expressed the family’s heartbreak at losing such a steady source of support and love. Former President Barack Obama also honored Marian, calling her one-of-a-kind and stating that they feel lucky to have had her in their lives.

Marian, born Marian Shields in 1937, was a strong and resilient woman who instilled the values of education and strength in her children. Despite facing racial barriers, she emphasized the importance of perseverance and hard work. These values played a significant role in shaping Michelle’s journey to success, from Princeton to the White House.

During Barack Obama’s presidency, Marian became an integral part of the family by moving into the White House to help care for her granddaughters, Malia and Sasha. She provided love, wisdom, and normalcy during their extraordinary childhood, earning her the title of the Obama’s “secret weapon.”

After the presidency, Marian returned to Chicago to enjoy a quiet and private life. However, her health had been declining in recent years, and her passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

The Obamas have requested privacy as they navigate this difficult time and have not yet shared details about any funeral arrangements. Marian Robinson leaves behind a legacy as a humble matriarch who played a significant role in raising America’s first Black first family. Her impact and influence will be felt for generations to come, proving that behind every great woman, there is often an even greater mother.