The Obama family is grieving the loss of a beloved patriarch.

Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s father, Fraser Robinson III, passed away on May 22nd, 2024 at the age of 85 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

In a heartfelt statement, Michelle Obama expressed deep sadness over her father’s death. “My heart is heavy today as my family and I mourn the passing of our rock, our champion, our dear, dear Dad,” she said. “Fraser Robinson was the most caring, compassionate, and strong man I’ve ever known. He was our foundation, our North Star. Losing him leaves an unfillable void in our lives.”

Robinson, a city pump operator, raised Michelle and her brother Craig on the South Side of Chicago. He was known for his unwavering support and pride in his children’s accomplishments. Michelle has often spoken about how her father’s strength and resilience in the face of his disability inspired her own drive and determination.

Funeral arrangements for Fraser Robinson III will be private, with only close friends and family in attendance. In lieu of flowers, the Obama family has asked that donations be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in his honor. The former first family has received an outpouring of condolences from political leaders, celebrities, and the public. Many have praised Robinson as the unsung hero behind Michelle Obama’s trailblazing journey from the South Side to the White House.