Marian Shields Robinson, mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama, has died at 86. She was a beloved member of the Obama family, known for her devotion to her family and her role in the White House.

Michelle Obama and her family released a statement saying, "There was and will be only one Marian Robinson. In our sadness, we are lifted up by the extraordinary gift of her life."

A lifelong resident of Chicago and a widow, Robinson moved to the White House in 2009 when her son-in-law, Barack Obama, became President. Initially hesitant about the move, Robinson agreed to help care for her granddaughters, Malia and Sasha, then 10 and 7 years old.

Robinson explained her decision in the foreword to "A Game of Character," a memoir by her son, Craig Robinson. She wrote about her desire to stay in Chicago but ultimately decided to move to Washington, D.C., to support her family.

In Chicago, Robinson had been a surrogate parent to her granddaughters during the 2008 presidential campaign, retiring from her job as a bank secretary to help care for them. At the White House, she provided a stable and loving presence, accompanying the girls to and from school and helping maintain a sense of normalcy despite their unique circumstances.

Michelle Obama has often spoken about her mother's influence. In her 2018 memoir, "Becoming," she wrote, "I would not be who I am today without the steady hand and unconditional love of my mother, Marian Shields Robinson."

During her time in the White House, Robinson enjoyed a level of privacy that allowed her to live a relatively normal life. She attended family events, including concerts, the annual Easter Egg Roll, and state dinners, and even took shopping trips around town.

Robinson's move to the White House also opened new opportunities for her. She had never traveled outside the U.S. until 2009, when she flew on Air Force One with the Obamas to France. She also visited Russia, Italy, Ghana, South Africa, Botswana, and China, experiencing new cultures and historic sites.

Marian Lois Shields Robinson was born in Chicago on July 30, 1937. She attended two years of teaching college and married Fraser Robinson III in 1960. As a stay-at-home mom, she emphasized the importance of education, a value reflected in her children's achievements: both Craig and Michelle attended Princeton, with Michelle also earning a law degree from Harvard.

Robinson's life was marked by her dedication to her family and her ability to adapt to new and challenging circumstances. Her legacy will continue to inspire those who knew her and those who have heard her story.

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