Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are celebrating the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. On Tuesday, the couple attended a stakeholder’s event, and the former president had a rare and emotional moment. Why? One detail in his wife’s outfit turned out to hold a deeply personal meaning.
On Tuesday’s stakeholders event at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama shared a touching moment.
Michelle, 62, walked onto the stage wearing a light-brown pencil skirt featuring a portrait of her mom. It was a tribute to her mother, Marian Robinson, who died in 2024, aged 86. Per CNN, the skirt was specially commissioned with the help of Michelle’s longtime stylist, Meredith Koop.
“I am so proud of my husband. He’s really messed up. I’m giving him some time, because this beautiful skirt that my stylist Meredith Koop picked out, that is a portrait — my favorite portrait of my mom — he didn’t know it existed until just a few minutes ago,” Michelle Obama said in her speech.
Moved by the moment, Michelle placed her hand on Barack, who was overcome with emotion and began to cry.
“I’ve had a few weeks to settle down in the beauty of this skirt, but it’s messing him up for good reason,” the former first lady continued. “But Marian would have been so proud, she was so proud of her son-in-law and the man that he is and has been to our family, always dreaming probably way too big, but always pulling it off. Thank you for doing this for the South Side of Chicago. I love you.”
Barack Obama moved to tears by Michelle’s skirt featuring touching tribute
While Michelle had known about the special piece for weeks, the reveal during the event was the first time Barack saw it in person. The surprise struck him deeply.
“I am a little shaken up by this because I love my mother-in-law,” the former president said
Marian Robinson, known as America’s “first grandmother” during Obama’s presidency, played a huge role in helping raise granddaughters Malia and Sasha. Even while living in the White House, she preferred to stay out of the spotlight and focus on her family.
It didn’t take long before photos from the event and the emotional moment spread on social media, where many praised the skirt and Michelle’s tribute to her late mother.
“That skirt with her mom’s portrait made me cry. So lovely,” one person wrote.
Another added: “That skirt is a masterpiece! Your mother is beautiful.”
Praised on social media
“One of a kind … Beautiful,” a third said.
However, as is often the case, there were some differing opinions online.
One user wrote, “Why is the body language off”
A second discussed the kiss photo, writing, “Also, she doesn’t look like she’s into kissing him.” Another user defended Barack and Michelle, saying, “He looks so hurt for her. Such a great man.”
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