The Obama Presidential Center is set to open its doors on June 19 in Chicago’s South Side, where Michelle Obama grew up. During a reception for the forthcoming opening, Barack Obama became visibly teary-eyed after noticing a deeply personal tribute on Michelle Obama’s skirt — a surprise portrait of his mother-in-law, Marian Robinson.

A Tribute to Marian Robinson

Marian Robinson, who passed away in May 2024 at 86 years old, raised Michelle Obama on Chicago’s South Side. The portrait on Michelle’s skirt is her favorite of her mother, depicting her as a young woman. Michelle Obama reflected on her mother’s pride in their family during the reception, saying, “Marian would’ve been so proud. She was so proud of her son-in-law and the man that he is and has been to our family.”

The Center’s opening festivities will continue throughout the week with a star-studded Grand Opening Ceremony on Thursday, June 18. The ceremony will feature performances by Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder, and John Legend, among others. The Obama Foundation’s CEO, Valerie Jarrett, said, “The Grand Opening Ceremony will reflect a spirit of inspiration and joy, with a big boost from the performers who are sharing their talent with us.”

Honoring Marian Robinson’s Legacy

Marian Robinson’s legacy will also be featured inside the museum. Michelle Obama shared that the “Opening the White House” exhibit will be named in honor of her mother. The exhibit will showcase the many ways Barack and Michelle Obama worked to make the White House an active place of inclusion, innovation, and culture, infused with the values that Marian Robinson instilled in her daughter: community, family, and bringing people in.

Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.