Hearts are heavy with grief as Michelle Obama, beloved former First Lady of the United States, shared the heartbreaking news of her mother’s passing. Marian Robinson, a cherished member of the Obama family, passed away at the age of 86. Michelle took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express her profound loss.

In her heartfelt message, Michelle described her mother as her rock and a constant source of support. She emphasized that Marian was an unwavering presence, not only for her immediate family but for the entire household. The depth of their sorrow was evident as Michelle wrote, “We are heartbroken to share she passed away today.”

To honor Marian’s remarkable life, Michelle shared a joint family statement. In it, they reflected on her wisdom and ability to encapsulate life’s truths in a few simple words. Some of Marian’s favorite sayings included:

The statement also highlighted Marian’s presence during the family’s time at the White House. She played a vital role in supporting both Michelle and Barack Obama throughout their eight years in office. Her willingness to move to the White House and be there for her grandchildren demonstrated her deep love and commitment.

Marian relished her role as a grandmother to Malia and Sasha, as well as to her other grandchildren, Avery, Leslie, Austin, and Aaron. While she enjoyed more freedom from the responsibilities of parenthood, she always balanced it with a gentle but firm hand. The statement affectionately mentioned that she often sided with her “grandbabies” when it came to rules set by their parents.

The family shared that Marian passed away peacefully on the morning of May 31. They acknowledged the challenges they would face in moving forward without her, emphasizing that her absence would be deeply felt by all.

Marian Robinson’s life was a testament to love, wisdom, and unwavering support. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.