Michelle Obama reflects on mother Marian Robinson's life and legacy one year later; known as 'the first mother of Chicago'
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — The last weekend of May marked one year since Marian Robinson passed away.

The Chicago native raised former first lady Michelle Obama and her son Craig on the city’s South Side.

Michelle Obama honored her late mother on social media, expressing, “We lost my mother a year ago, yet somehow, it feels as though she is even more present with us each day.”

ABC7 is reflecting back on Robinson’s legacy. Many affectionately called her the “first mother of Chicago.”

Robinson invited ABC7’s Samantha Chatman to her South Loop condo three years ago.

She was warm, kind and full of stories and humor.

When asked about her time in the White House during Barack Obama’s presidency, sha said:

“They handled the cooking! And to be truthful, cooking is not my favorite activity,” Robinson revealed. “I get so tired of having to go into the kitchen and figuring out what meal to prepare.”

She said some of her favorite Chicago restaurants included Lem’s Bar-B-Q and Italian Fiesta Pizzeria.

The Chicago matriarch raised Michelle and her son Craig on the city’s South Side.

Robinson dedicated her life to supporting her family and making sure her children knew they could achieve anything they set their minds to.

“I’m proud of what matters to [my kids],” she noted. “I firmly believe that loving children is the most crucial thing. Regardless of who they are or what they do, give them the opportunity to make mistakes.”

Robinson said one of her proudest moments was seeing Barack become the first black president of our country and watching her daughter, who is successful in her own right, become a role model for girls and women who look like her.

“I’m glad she was first lady because young people who thought it wasn’t possible, see that it is,” she said.

Robinson passed away a year ago at the age of 86.

Her legacy in Chicago and around the world lives on.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Israel news: IDF says it will advance preparations for 1st phase of Donald Trump's plan to end Gaza war, return Hamas hostages

Israeli Update: IDF to Begin Initial Steps in Implementing Trump’s Strategy to Resolve Gaza Conflict and Free Hostages from Hamas

TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel’s army announced on Saturday that it would…
Kavanaugh’s attempted assassin sentenced to 8 years in prison

Man Who Attempted to Attack Justice Kavanaugh Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison

A federal judge in Greenbelt, Md., sentenced the individual who attempted to…
Daughter of notorious killer Dan Lafferty chooses forgiveness over hatred after decades of shame

Daughter of infamous murderer Dan Lafferty opts for forgiveness after years of disgrace

Rebecca Lafferty forgave her father, convicted killer Dan Lafferty — not to…
Metra, Pace, CTA riders, workers could be affected by fare increases, layoffs, reduced service to bridge RTA budget gap

Fare Hikes, Job Cuts, and Reduced Services Could Impact Metra, Pace, and CTA Due to RTA Budget Deficit

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Friday, the news was somber, as the committee…
Most Americans rate the U.S. economy poorly: Poll

Poll Reveals That Many Americans Hold a Negative View of the U.S. Economy

(The Hill) — Nearly three-quarters of Americans say economic conditions are poor…
Michigan church shooting bodycam video shows police confront gunman

Bodycam Footage Reveals Police Confrontation with Gunman at Michigan Church Shooting

Police in Michigan released body camera video from officers who responded to…
Japan poised for first female prime minister after ruling party elects Sanae Takaichi as new leader

Sanae Takaichi becomes leader of Japan’s ruling party, paving the way for her potential to be the first female prime minister

Japan is on track to get its first female prime minister after…
Grieving Jacksonville mother relieved after arrest in teen daughter's fatal hit-and-run

Jacksonville Mother Finds Relief as Suspect Arrested in Teen Daughter’s Deadly Hit-and-Run Accident

Shardae Webber feels a sense of relief as police have detained Andre…
St. Augustine wedding venue under investigation

Investigation Launched into St. Augustine Wedding Venue

The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office has announced that it is looking…

Tragic Shooting Near Houston Suburb Results in Death of Two Children, Two More Critically Injured

ANGLETON, Texas (AP) — In a heartbreaking incident early Saturday near Angleton,…
Alzheimer's walk Chicago: Thousands to participate in annual Walk to End Alzheimer's disease in Lincoln Park

Thousands Set to Join Annual Alzheimer’s Walk in Lincoln Park, Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — Thousands of people are coming together in Chicago’s Lincoln…
Jury deliberations continue in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial

What did Diddy write in his letter to the judge?

If the judge listens to Combs’ defense team’s recommendation, he would be…