Well known for her famous dance with then-President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama in 2016, Virginia McLaurin passed away at the age of 113.
The news of her death was shared in a post on McLaurin’s official Facebook page, which noted she “had been under hospice care for a few days.”
“She lived an incredibly full life and appreciated all the love she received from people on this FB page and everywhere she went,” the post said.
McLaurin’s son, Felipe Cardoso, confirmed in an interview with CNN that his mother had passed away on Monday.
“People always asked, 'What was her secret to life?' She didn’t really put emphasis on the bad stuff, and she didn’t let stuff worry her,” Cardoso told CNN. “She loved the kids and she was just happy to see the first African American president. She was definitely a happy woman. She wasn’t sad or angry. Up until her last day, she knew everything … she still had her wit.”
It was in 2014 that she took to YouTube, explaining that she would like to meet the country’s first Black first family.
“I didn’t think I’d ever live to see a colored president. I am so happy. I pray for you every day of my life,” McLaurin said in the video.
Her dreams came true in February 2016 when she visited the White House at the young age of 106 years old. It was during her meeting with the Obamas that a viral video was captured.
In it, McLaurin could be heard yelling with excitement as she danced and greeted then-President Obama. Holding his hands, she said, “It’s an honor, it’s an honor,” while he asked if she wanted to meet the first lady.
After meeting her, the three danced together before posing for a group photo. Michele Obama told her that she wanted to “be like you when I grow up.”
“I thought I would never live to get in the White House,” McLaurin told the Obamas. “And I tell you, I am so happy. A Black president. A Black wife. And I’m here to celebrate Black history.”
The Obamas shared their condolences on Twitter on Tuesday, saying they know she’s “up there dancing.”
McLaurin was born in 1909 in Cheraw, South Carolina. She moved to Washington, DC, in 1941, where she worked as a volunteer in classrooms and as a foster grandparent. During her life, she lived through 20 United States Presidents.
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