Michelle Obama Candidly Reveals How She's Preparing Her Daughters for Her Death
- - Michelle Obama Candidly Reveals How She's Preparing Her Daughters for Her Death
Katherine SchaffstallNovember 6, 2025 at 1:35 AM
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Michelle Obama knows what it's like to lose a parent, and she candidly revealed how she's preparing her daughters, Malia Obama and Sasha Obama, to live without her when she passes away.
The former first lady, 61, opened up about the tough topic during People Inc.’s event in New York City on Wednesday, November 5. While speaking to La La Anthony, Michelle recalled one of the final conversations she had with her mother, Marian Robinson, before she died at age 86 in 2024.
Michelle shared that Marian had been preparing her and brother, Craig Robinson, for her death since she was 10 years old. While she joked about the situation, she said she now understands why her mother did that.
"What she was doing was letting us know that she loved us, but that we could live life with and without her, and I understand that now as a parent," Michelle said, according to People.
Michelle, who shares Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24, with husband Barack Obama, continued, "I want my daughters to know, 'I love you, you love me, but you don't need me. You know everything you to be successful.'"
As Marian became sick later in life, Michelle made sure to spend more time with her and care for her. She recalled one time when they watched TV together, in which Marian leaned over and said to her, "Wow, that was quick." After Michelle asked her what she was talking about, Marian simply responded, "Life."
"That's all she said, but what I got from that was even in her practical-minded way, that you're never ready. And I don't think that she was done living. It just comes, and then life is over," the Look author said. "I was like, 'Let me hear that. Let me understand that, that even with a wonderful life, I want to be present.'"
Michelle continued the conversation by reflecting on aging. "I think that feeling of 60 is about trying to be present in the feeling," she said. "Trying to be present in this moment in my life so that this last chapter is exactly the way I want it to be."
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She previously spoke about the topic of aging during an interview with People published on October 28. “I’m not wincing at my gray hairs, but I am coloring them! My mother was the same way. She dyed her hair until the day she died,” she said at the time. “I don’t really do much else. Fortunately, black don’t crack.”
Despite not putting much effort into her appearance, Michelle pointed out that “health has always been paramount” for her when it comes to “what I eat, working out, regular doctors’ visits, all the things that allow me to enjoy this time.”
“I’m as vibrant as I’ve ever been. My kids are grown and launched, they are healthy and happy. My husband is doing just fine,” she continued. “We are the former president and first lady, and so I feel like this is the first time in my life that when I say and do something, here in this interview, writing this book, these are my choices. That is freeing.”
This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
