In May 2024, the world mourned the passing of Marian Robinson, mother of Michelle Obama and mother‑in‑law to Barack Obama, at the age of 86. The announcement was made via a family statement on May 31, noting that Robinson passed away peacefully.

Marian Robinson lived a life deeply rooted in strength, support and quiet leadership. A longtime Chicago resident, she moved into the White House in 2009 to help care for her granddaughters Malia and Sasha during the Obama presidency.  Her decision to leave her familiar Chicago home underscored her commitment to family and her willingness to provide stability for the next generation.

Michelle Obama paid tribute to her mother’s enduring presence: “My mom Marian Robinson was my rock… the same steady backstop for our entire family,” she said. This characterisation captures Robinson’s influence—her ability to offer a sense of “enoughness,” reassuring her loved ones that they could rely on her. Her legacy lives on in the values she instilled: independence, education, and the courage to use one’s voice.

As the family and the public reflect on her life, Marian Robinson’s memory continues to inspire. Her quiet strength and devotion remind us that true leadership often manifests in everyday acts of care. The Obamas’ promise to “spend the rest of ours trying to live up to her example” serves not just as a tribute, but as a call to all of us to honour her legacy by living with compassion, integrity and purpose.