Will 'First Granny' Marian Robinson Move Into The White House? (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

There's been a lot of speculation that Michelle Obama's 71-year-old mother, Marian Robinson, will be moving to the White House with her family in January. It would certainly be practical: Mrs. Robinson helped care for granddaughters Sasha and Malia while their parents were on the campaign trail, and the first couple's new schedule will be no less punishing. Below is an introduction to the woman America now knows as 'First Granny.'

**See more about the Obama family or see more Obama slideshows**

SLIDESHOW:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • President-elect Obama shares the stage with his mother-in-law Marian Robinson.

WATCH:

Watch "South Side Girl," the documentary that played before Michelle Obama's DNC speech, which Marian narrated:


Watch "Four Days In Denver," a behind-the-scenes look at the DNC in which Marian appears a few times (first at 1:01):

Comments

[Obama4change]

The Obamas have such a wonderful family. They are lucky that their Mom can watch their girls. This is what family is about. This is the way it used to be, but families are so disconnected nowadays. Lets get the extended family unit back. It helps everyone in the long run.

[Wood]

The mother-in-law???

[wm1066]

Not all mother-in laws are bad. In our family my moms widowed mother lived with us for years and was a good influence. My mom said that she thought grandma liked my dad better then her. And it is evident Barack and her get along, you can see it in the respect he shows her. I think its a great idea, bring back the extended family into American life.

[katlade]

What a great idea. It seems that is what we used to do before all these grandparents had to go back to work just to pay for their medication. I would love to be able to care for any grandchildren if I am ever so lucky to have some, but unless I win the lottery,that is not going to happen. Republicans and family values. What a bunch of bull. Only if you are wealthy enough.

[urfriend]

Obama's and Biden's family is sweet. They are true American Family Guys.

[Georgia1992]

They truly are.

[Fongenie]

President Carter looks like such a sweet old man. I just want to hold him.

[addie24]

As a grandmother who watches my 2 grandchildren, I think it is a wonderful idea. I know my grandchildren would feel safer in a strange house, if I were there. I think she should go. After all she has been watching these children.

[debbiefromohio]

I think it would be great for the daughters & Michelle. It would be awfully hard to maintain a close relationship with their only remaining grandparent. I think President Obama (wow isn't it great to say that) will be far too busy to have in-law problems:) I wish them all the best regardless of what decision they make in this matter.

[abirish]

I love the phase, "First Granny."

[wanttruth]

It's great that Michelle's mom can be there for Malia and Sasha. Great family!

[piper1233]

Why not. She seems like a lovely person, and she has clearly done a great job with Michelle. She will make a strong continuem? of support to the girls when Michelle is busy with First Lady Issues.

[zbearlady]

How powerful it is that Barack has such a warm and respectful relationship with his mother-in-law. It's a tribute to his up-bringing that he would want his own children to have the influence, wisdom, and stability of a grandmother as a constant presence in their lives. And...how wonderful for Michelle, too, to have her mother by her side when making such a monumental life change.

The devotion and priority the Obama parents show to their children is a true rareity in this day and age! I am truly moved to see the love within this entire family...and I think they will serve as a profound example of what true 'family values' can, and should, be. Here's a song/video I wrote that was inspired by Obama, in support of our children -our future generations! I hope it inspires all who see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gi3VNLhHq4LhHq4

[roshni]

Very nice - thanks for sharing.

[Academic]

Firstly, it's no one's business what Barack does in relation to his mother-in-law. What intrigues me is that in the USA and my own country of the UK where families are increasingly becoming dysfunctional and mother-in-laws are often the butt of cruel jokes and seen as the enemy that Barack Obama and his mother-in-law clearly have an empathy and excellent relationship with each other. In fact, I think that the Obamas are an inspiration to family life as it should be practised and, outside the vastly materialistic world of the so-called developed world, is a given and nothing extraordinary at all. So to all the many detractors who want to pour cold water on something they know nothing of and can only speculate about, please go find something profitable and worthwhile to think of and discuss about. There are already too many stereotypes surrounding Blacks by whites and their attitudes to family life. And just because there are some who cannot come to terms with having their stereotypes debunked so publicly and having, moreover, to witness a prime example of family life across three generations at least of black people in play, that's your problem; no one else's.

Professor Dr. Stanley Collymore.

[roooth]

Well said. I think Obama's ability to have such obviously affectionate relationships with the women in his life is a tribute to his mother and grandmother.

[notconfindtweenhatnboots]

Since Paul McCartney is going to serenade the new First Lady with his song "Michelle", will Paul Simon serenade the new First Granny with his hit "Mrs. Robinson" (with a few lyric changes)? It's uncanny how much some of the other lyrics fit though (Stroll around the grounds until you feel at home, Going to the candidates debate).

[roshni]

That was not necessary as you well know that Mrs Robinson is a derogatory song.

[duchessdorleans]

I don't think he/she meant any harm at all. That's the point of changing some of the lyrics. Besides, it's not exactly derogotory, just about an older woman who sduces a young man.

"So here's to you Mrs. Robinson, our nation turns its lonely eyes to you, woo woo woo."

[notconfindtweenhatnboots]

I meant absolutely no offense. I am sorry if anyone took it that way. Mrs. Robinson is a catchphrase for alot of people and it will be in the back of everyone's mind either way. The best way to turn this association into a positive is to rewrite the song as a tribute to her.

[Yodada]

What a wonderful experience since she has obviously been such an active participant in the care and nurturing of her daughter, her son in law and her grandchildren! It's so nice to see such a warm, loving and respectful family as occupants of the white house.!

[AmandaBC]

Mother-in-law moving in usually spells disaster... :)

[notconfindtweenhatnboots]

The White House is pretty big. I'm sure he could go for weeks without running into her if he wanted to. Plus, she'd have to get past Emanuel :)

[darleneslee]

I don't get the impression that he is running from her. I think that she is an integral part
of their family. This is typical of a lot of African-American families. I grew up in a house
where my grandparents lived with us. It made for a wonderful grounded childhood. These children are going to need their grandmother and on many occasions Michelle will need the wisdom of her mother to help her navigate a definitely different life than the one they had before.

[osusana]

Why is it so hard to imagine that a man and his mother-in-law could have a warm and loving relationship? The man my daughter married 25 years ago is such a great guy I hate referring to him as my son-in-law, because I love him like my own son. If I could have hand-picked the man my daughter married (yeah, like THAT would happen!) I could not have picked a better man - as her husband and my grandchildren's father. We love and respect one another - we're family!

[piper1233]

Bad Experience?

[roshni]

Define "usually:.

[CR46]

I grew up in a 3 generation household and it was the best, most loving childhood that I could have ever hoped for :)

[roooth]

Happiest family I knew when I was growing up was my grandma, her daughter and her grandchildren. After the grandkids grew up, my aunt and grandma continued to live together until my grandma passed.

They were the least dysfunctional family I knew.

[blustate135]

Depends on the family. I think the Obamas will be fine. If it was in MY house, it would most definitely be a disaster!

[Enid]

This is not happening in a three bedroom house, without staff and many other working in the White House. Granny would be stabilizing and safe for his children.