IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Michelle Obama wishes her mom a happy 80th birthday in touching post

Michelle Obama's beloved mother, Marian Robinson, turned 80 this weekend, and the former first lady saluted her with a loving post on social media.
/ Source: TODAY

Michelle Obama’s mother, Marian Robinson, turned 80 this weekend, and the former first lady of the United States wasn’t about to let the milestone pass without paying tribute to her.

Obama posted a touching photo and caption on social media, celebrating her favorite new octogenarian.

“Happy Birthday Mom! Your unconditional love has made me who I am today. You are my rock. My (heart). I'll always be your Miche. I love you,” Obama, 53, wrote in the caption of a throwback photo of herself and her mom.

Obama has been very vocal about the impact Robinson has had on her life, as well as the lives of her teen daughters, Sasha and Malia. In May, Obama posted a heartfelt Instagram message to her mom in honor of Mother’s Day.

“Happy #MothersDay to my mom. I strive to be the kind of mother to my girls that you have always been to me,” Obama wrote in the caption of a photo of her embracing Robinson.

The former “First Granny” (as she was sometimes called in the press) moved into the White House with the Obama family in 2009 and lived there for the duration of her son-in-law’s presidency.

First Family Attends National Christmas Tree
Malia Obama, Sasha Obama, Marian Robinson, former first lady Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama at the national Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Washington, D.C. in 2015.Getty Images

In a 2012 essay published by Essence, Robinson said she treasures her relationship with her daughter and enjoys giving her parenting advice.

“I'm also thankful to be able to be there for Michelle, as well,” Robinson told the magazine. “She'll ask about parenting, about how her dad and I made decisions when she and her older brother, Craig, were growing up. I just tell it to her straight: There's no textbook that tells you how to be a good parent. The truth is, most of the time you don't really know what to do. You just try to do your best.”