Marian Robinson, the mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama, has died at the age of 86. Often called the “first grandmother” during the presidency of Barack Obama, she played a vital role in supporting her family throughout their years in the White House.

Originally from Chicago, Robinson moved to Washington in 2009 to help care for her granddaughters, Malia Obama and Sasha Obama. Although she avoided public attention, she became a trusted and comforting presence for the family during a historic period.

In a family statement, the Obamas described her as “our pillar of support during it all,” adding, “She passed away quietly this morning. She was necessary to us.” Robinson was known for her humble nature and dedication to family, preferring time with her grandchildren over public recognition.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden honored her as “a dedicated mother and grandmother with a fierce and unconditional love of her family.”

Born in 1937 on Chicago’s South Side, Robinson raised Michelle and her son Craig with her husband, Fraser Robinson III, who died in 1991. She later explained that she moved to Washington to help protect and support her granddaughters during the family’s transition to public life.

Earlier this year, Michelle Obama paid tribute to her mother by naming an exhibit at the Obama Presidential Center after her, saying, “Without my mother, I wouldn’t be who I am today.”

The family’s farewell captured her lasting impact: “There was and will be only one Marian Robinson.”