Condolences Continue for Michelle Obama’s Mother
Condolences Continue for Michelle Obama’s Mother
Marian Robinson, who was a constant inside the White House during the Obama administration, died Friday at 86.
Tributes to perhaps one of the most visible of mothers in the White House have streamed in since the announcement that Marian Robinson, the mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama, died on Friday.
“I just wanted to say thank you for all the prayers, kind words and love that you all have shown our entire family these last few days,” Michelle Obama posted on her social media Monday.
Robinson as a young woman studied to become a teacher before working as a secretary, according to a family statement. She married Fraser Robinson, who died in 1991, and they raised their family in an upstairs apartment in the South Shore neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. But, she was publicly best known for her role in moving to the White House to help raise the Obamas’ young daughters, Sasha and Malia.
Many celebrities, politicians and public figures took to social media to share their condolences.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden released a statement on Saturday saying in part that “[Marian Robinson] believed, like we do, that family is the beginning, middle and end,” the statement said. “She moved into the White House to be there for her family when they needed her the most, and in so doing, she served her country right alongside them.”
Melinda French Gates, an American philanthropist and ex-wife of Microsoft co-founder and billionaire Bill Gates commented, “What a wonderful tribute to your amazing mom. Thinking of you and sending hugs during this difficult time.”
Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of the Broadway smash musical Hamilton posted, “When you invited me to perform at the White House in 2009, I was too intimidated [to] look any of you in the eye from the stage. It wasn’t until I looked over and saw your mom’s encouraging smile that I relaxed and was able to proceed,” he said. “It’s unimaginable that she’s no longer here.”
Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of George W. Bush and former First Lady Laura Bush said, “Oh no, I’m so sorry. Sending love.”
Washington, D.C.-based First Ladies Association for Research and Education (FLARE) also offered condolences. “Mrs. Robinson was a key supporter of her daughter as first lady,” the organization posted on its website. “Having stressed the importance of education to her children she served as the role model for her daughter as Mrs. Obama championed education issues in the U.S. and the world.”
When the Obamas announced Robinson’s death, Michelle Obama took to social media saying, “My mom Marian Robinson was my rock, always there for whatever I needed. She was the same steady backstop for our entire family, and we are heartbroken to share she passed away today.”
A joint statement from the Obamas and the Craig Robinson family shared, “With a healthy nudge, she agreed to move to the White House,” the statement said. “We needed her. The girls needed her.”
The statement went on to read that the “trappings and glamour of the White House were never a great fit for Marian Robinson,” the statement said. “‘Just show me how to work the washing machine and I’m good,’ she’d say.”
On Friday former President Barack Obama on X, formerly Twitter, said, “There will only be one Marian Robinson. 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.”
Calendar
June 8, 2024
In-Person and Free: Celebrate Ida McKinley's Birthday!
The National First Ladies Library & Museum will be celebrating the 177th anniversary of former First Lady Ida McKinley’s birthday with an open house. The First Ladies National Historic Site in Canton, Ohio, will open the doors of Ida's childhood home, the Saxton-McKinley House, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. EDT on Saturday, June 8, for free tours. National Park Service rangers will be on site discussing the many social events that Ida McKinley hosted, and there will also be a craft booth where visitors can make Ida campaign buttons or birthday buttons. No registration required.
June 14, 2024
In-Person and Virtual – Learned Lucy: First-Person Interpretation of Lucy Hayes with Sarah Hayden, Featuring a Lemonade Social
The National First Ladies Library & Museum will feature a first-person interpretation of First Lady Lucy Hayes at noon EDT on June 14, 2024, presented by Sarah Hayden. Lucy Hayes was nicknamed “Lemonade Lucy” after her time in the White House and is one of the many remarkable first ladies of the United States with a rich and complex history. Most well-known for her care of wounded infantry soldiers, the life of Lucy Webb Hayes is one also denoted by temperance, education, and advocacy.
Presented in-person at the National First Ladies Library & Museum as well as streamed online, the lecture will be followed by a “lemonade social.” For those joining us via Zoom, a Lucy Lemonade Recipe card will be sent to your email prior to the event so that you can make your own and toast to the beginning of summer. Read more
June 17, 2024
Virtual Event: Cooking With the First Ladies
The National First Ladies Library and Museum will present Sarah Morgan “Cooking with the First Ladies Featuring Edith Wilson” at 7 p.m. EDT on June 17, 2024. Join Sarah Morgan for a virtual feast exploring First Lady Edith Wilson’s life and recipes. In this virtual program, participants will uncover the culinary legacy of First Lady Edith Wilson. Read more
June 20, 2024
2024 Annual Martha Washington Lecture
The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon will present a discussion from 7 to 8 p.m. EDT on June 20, 2024, on how the wife of the nation's first president, Martha Washington, truly defined the new role of first lady of the United States. Hear how she and other first ladies influenced American society, policy, diplomacy, and life, and how many of them broke barriers to make a mark on our country and, at times, the world.
This event features Diana B. Carlin, Anita B. McBride, and Nancy Kegan Smith, authors of the new book, Remember the First Ladies: The Legacies of America’s History-Making Women.
In-person tickets are $25 and include a reception with beer and wine and a book signing. Virtual tickets are $10 and the event can be watched in real-time or after the event. Read more
June 20, 2024
In-Person Event: Third Thursdays Night Out with the First Ladies
The National First Ladies Library & Museum will dive into what Abigail Fillmore, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Laura Bush all have in common—the fact they were all teachers! Participants will get an inside look into the newly opened 2024-25 featured exhibit, “Leaders in Literacy: First Ladies as Teachers, Educators, and Librarians” at its Third Thursdays Night Out with the First Ladies. The exhibit is presented by Huntington Bank, and in this curator-led, specialized talk and tour, guests will be fully immersed in the exhibit.
Doors open at 6 p.m. EDT. The program begins at 6:30 p.m.EDT at the National First Ladies Library & Museum (205 Market Ave. South, Canton, OH 44702). Read more
June 20, 2024
In-Person: The White House Historical Association Hosts Trivia Night
The White House Historical Association will hold a free Trivia Night. People can play on teams of 2 to 6 players while enjoying complimentary pizza and soft drinks. Questions will cover a variety of topics in White House history, from presidents and first ladies to art and popular culture! Prizes will be awarded to the winning team.
Doors open at 1610 H St NW at 5:30 p.m. EDT; trivia will begin promptly at 6 p.m. EDT. Guests must register in advance. Read more
June 23, 2024
First Ladies Fine Dining: Mamie Eisenhower
Join author Andrew Och, aka “The First Ladies Man,” for an in-person, hands-on cooking class from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday June 23, 2024, presented by Cookology at Ballston Quarter in Arlington, Virginia.
Mamie Eisenhower's famous “Million Dollar Fudge” was the perfect dessert for any and every party she hosted. Not only did she throw magnificent parties, dinners and events as first lady, but she also enjoyed hosting parties on every military base that was their home for so many years as a military wife. Learn about and prepare some of Mrs. Eisenhower’s favorites in this class. Read more
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