Very sad breaking news to report … the Obama campaign has just confirmed the news that Barack Obama‘s maternal grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, passed away at the age of 86 after a long bout with cancer. This news is especially sad considering that Mrs. Dunham was not able to see the outcome of her grandson’s bid to become President of the United States of America, dying on the eve of Election Day in this country:

As of yet, there is no concrete information to pass along at this time … only that Madelyn Dunham has died, losing her battle with cancer. As some of you may know, Obama‘s maternal grandparents helped raise him while his mother was living overseas in Indonesia during his youth. I cannot imagine the sadness the Senator and his family must be feeling at this moment. I will update this post with more information as it becomes available but I think it’s safe to assume that all Americans and indeed people around the world, are sending their heartfelt condolences to Senator Obama and his family.

UPDATE: This from the New York Times:

Senator Barack Obama’s grandmother, a central figure in his life who helped raise him during his teen-age years, died in Hawaii on Monday morning. Mr. Obama, who left the presidential campaign trail late last month to travel to Honolulu to bid her farewell, announced the death in a statement released by his spokesman upon landing here this afternoon. Her death comes one day shy of Election Day. “It is with great sadness that we announce that our grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has died peacefully after a battle with cancer,” Mr. Obama said in a statement. “She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility. She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances.” Madelyn Dunham, who turned 86 on Oct. 26, was unable to travel to see her grandson on the campaign trail. But from her apartment in Honolulu, she religiously followed his bid for the presidency, tracking his movements and his progression through cable television. “She was proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and left this world with the knowledge that her impact on all of us was meaningful and enduring,” Mr. Obama said in the statement. “Our debt to her is beyond measure.” Mr. Obama released the statement with his sister, Maya Soetoro-Ng, who has been at Mrs. Dunham’s side while Mr. Obama has been campaigning for president. “Our family wants to thank all of those who sent flowers, cards, well-wishes, and prayers during this difficult time. It brought our grandmother and us great comfort,” Mr. Obama said in the statement. “Our grandmother was a private woman, and we will respect her wish for a small private ceremony to be held at a later date.”

So very sad. Again, my thoughts and prayers go out to Senator Barack Obama and his family at this very sad time for them. May she rest in eternal peace.

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