In a heart-wrenching revelation, Michelle Obama shared the profound impact of her mother’s passing, revealing that her husband, former President Barack Obama, humorously suggested she was “next up” after the death of Marian Robinson in 2024. During a poignant episode of their IMO podcast, aired on May 7, Michelle and her brother Craig Robinson opened up about the emotional turmoil following their mother’s death at 86, shedding light on the heavy burden of grief and the harsh reality of mortality.

In a candid discussion, Michelle reflected on how the loss of a parent thrusts one into a new phase of adulthood, stating, “That’s sort of the darn thing about being a grown-up. When you lose your parents, you lose the—you know, you’re next up.” The former first lady expressed her reluctance to embrace this new reality, humorously pushing back against Barack’s comments by saying, “I’m not really ready to be next up,” and jokingly delegating that responsibility to her brother and husband.

As the family navigates this difficult transition, Michelle emphasized the lessons learned in becoming the matriarch of her family, highlighting the shift from being cared for to becoming the caregiver. She poignantly remarked, “That’s really when you become an adult… We become the parent. We become the convenor. We become the glue.”

This intimate conversation not only unveils the Obamas’ personal struggles but also resonates with anyone grappling with loss, illustrating the universal journey of facing mortality and finding strength in family bonds. As the former first lady continues to share her journey, the world watches closely, finding solace in her honesty amidst the pain.