Marian Robinson, the mother of former First Lady Michelle Obama, has passed away at age 86. Known as the “first grandmother” during Barack Obama’s presidency, Robinson was a beloved figure in the White House, offering support and stability to her family during their historic time in Washington.

Originally from Chicago, Robinson relocated to the White House in 2009 to help care for her granddaughters, Malia and Sasha, then just seven and ten years old. Though she kept a low profile, she remained a steady presence, attending family events and even traveling occasionally.

In a statement, the Obama and Robinson families shared, “She passed away quietly this morning. She was necessary to us… our pillar of support during it all.” Robinson was described as down-to-earth and devoted, preferring quiet moments with her grandchildren over the spotlight.

President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden praised 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 her two children, Michelle and Craig, with her husband Fraser Robinson, who passed away in 1991. She once said she moved to D.C. out of concern for her granddaughters’ safety and to support her daughter and son-in-law during a difficult transition.

Michelle Obama honored her mother earlier this year by naming an exhibit after her at the Obama Presidential Center. “Without my mother, I wouldn’t be who I am today,” she said.

“There was and will be only one Marian Robinson,” the family concluded.