First Lady Michelle and former President Barack Obama posted a statement today announcing the passing of Michelle’s mother Marian Shields Robinson, and the Black Internet wasted no time sending their love and prayers to Obama’s in honor of the matriarch.
“Marian Robinson was truly an inspiration. Her legacy of kindness and strength will continue to guide us all,” wrote Pablo Joselu on X.
George O. Obikoya added, “Accept my condolences May her soul rest in peace. Amen.”
A retired Black Navy physician by the name of Michael Walker wrote, “Very sorry for your loss. Your mother-in-law raised a wonderful, thriving family.”
And then this social media commentator wrote what we all have been thinking since the Obamas left the White House and the whole Trump circus started: “Bless your mom for raising one of the best First Ladies we ever had. 💙”
Amen.
In celebration of her life, Michelle posted a tribute written by Barack in which he delved deeper into Robinson’s life and her impact on three generations of family.
“My mom Marian Robinson was my rock, always there for whatever I needed,” wrote Michelle. “She was the same steady backstop for our entire family, and we are heartbroken to share she passed away today. We wanted to offer some reflections on her remarkable life.”
Earlier this month Michelle posted a poignant message honoring her mother on on Mother’s Day, May 12, and gushed that she felt “lucky” that she get’s to “pass that same wisdom down to my own girls,” she said.
And if you remember this CBS interview with Gayle King, some of that wisdom included teaching First daughters Sasha and Malia how to do laundry in the White House.
And then let’s not forget this 2009 interview Robinson gave in which she gushed that both her kids, Michelle and Craig, were always simply set and determined when it came to their plans in life.
Judging from Barack’s tribute, these were qualities that Robinson instilled in her children as she supported her children with radiating grace.
“Her wisdom came off as almost innate, as something she was born with, but in reality it was hard-earned, fashioned by her deep understanding that the world’s roughest edges could always be sanded down with a little grace,” wrote Barack in his tribute. “... In our sadness, we are lifted up by the extraordinary gift of her life. And we will spend the rest of ours trying to live up to her example.”
Rest in power, Mrs. Robinson.