Barack Obama's grandmother, who raised him while his mother pursued a career in anthropology, has died, the Democratic presidential candidate and his half-sister announced.
Just a week-and-a-half ago, Obama suspended his campaign for two days to pay a visit to his ailing grandmother in Hawaii.
In a statement released Monday, Obama, 47, and Maya Soetoro-Ng, 38, said: "It is with great sadness that we announce that our grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, has died peacefully after a battle with cancer. She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility."
Dunham was 86, and Obama called her "Toot." In a campaign ad earlier this year, he described her as the daughter of a Midwest oil company clerk who "taught me values straight from the Kansas heartland."
The family statement adds: "She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances. 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. Our debt to her is beyond measure.
"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. Our grandmother was a private woman, and we will respect her wish for a small private ceremony to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation to any worthy organization in search of a cure for cancer."