Barack Obama’s Grandmother Passes Away At 86
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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Tags: Barack Obama, Madelyn Dunham
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November 3rd, 2008 at 3:03 pm
This is very sad news…but at least he was able to visit her before she died…I am sure her spirit is with him…
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:03 pm
She’ll be celebrating in heaven tomorrow :)
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
It is so unbelievably sad that she will not see her grandson possibly achieve such a milestone for our country. My heart does go out to his family.
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:09 pm
this is so sad. i was really hoping she’d hang in there to see if he became president. so sad. my heart goes out to him and his family.
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:35 pm
this is really sad news. i wish she had just made it to see the outcome of tomorrow. hopefully she’ll get to celebrate tomorrow.
November 3rd, 2008 at 2:45 pm
This is really sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to Obama’s family. It’s so sad that it was one day before election day, but no doubt she will be watching from above. RIP Madelyn Dunham
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:13 pm
[...] Dunham, passed away at the age of 86 after a long bout with cancer. This news is especially sad Read More|||Barack Obama’s grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has died of cancer at the age of 86 — one day [...]
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:44 pm
She will be with him in spirit tomorrow and will hopefully be there to bring victory and change for her grandson and this country!
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:47 pm
she’ll be with him tomorrow, and pain free as she celebrates.
November 3rd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
What a shame to lose her the day before what could possibly be the biggest day of his life, as well as a groundbreaking moment in our history. Hopefully she will be looking down over him tomorrow, and that she will be able to get a chance to celebrate with all of the people we have lost who have paved the way for his historic campaign.
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:00 pm
oh that just makes me so sad she couldn’t hang on one more day to see what tomorrow brings……..I am so sorry for Mr. Obama that on what might be an amazing day…….it will be bittersweet……..may she rest in peace……..and watch from above!
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:38 pm
this is heartbreaking- she is probably what motivated him this far yet she slips away just before she can celebrate his historic moment. sad.
November 3rd, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Ah man that really sucks :( I feel so sorry for her family.
I hope he wins even more now.
November 3rd, 2008 at 6:07 pm
RIP Tutu! Tomorrow you’ll be looking down with pride on your grandson the President-Elect.
November 3rd, 2008 at 6:22 pm
Aww.
I’m sure she’s so proud how much her little boy has been doing. He’s amazing, he really is…he must be heartbroken but yes; Katie: She’ll be celebrating in Heaven tomorrow.
:) RIP!
November 3rd, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Jen, well said!
November 3rd, 2008 at 11:33 pm
this is so heartbreaking. i really feel for obama who is obviously going through unbearable pain. there is nothing more terrible than losing the person who raised you. if only she could have hung on for another day, though im sure she tried her hardest. im sure no matter what she will be with him – and giving him the strength and support he needs – from up in heaven.. hopefully she’ll be celebrating up there too :)
November 4th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Rest in Peace, Grandma Tutu! I have a feeling that she will definitely be Obama’s “spirit guide”. Apparently, Obama gets A LOT of his drive from her :)
November 4th, 2008 at 8:16 am
My thoughts and prayers to the family.
November 4th, 2008 at 8:16 am
I bet she is watching over him today!
November 4th, 2008 at 11:42 am
It really blows that she won’t be able to see him become President!
November 4th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
wow that is sad that you voted no on prop 8, you are totally going against God.
November 4th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
GO McCAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 5th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
[...] Barack Obama’s Grandmother Passes Away At 86 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. … [...]