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Who Was Virginia McLaurin? 113-Year-Old Who Danced With The Obamas

McLaurin later rushed to meet the first lady and the three playfully danced together before they posed for a group photograph.

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Ritika Joshi
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Who Was Virginia McLaurin
113-year-old Virginia McLaurin, who is known for dancing with former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama passed away earlier this week.
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Her son, Felipe Cardoso confirmed McLaurin’s death and revealed that she had been under hospice care for a few days.

Cardoso spoke with CNN and said, “People always asked what was her secret to life." He revealed that McLaurin didn't let negativity drag her down or worry her.

He added, “She was just happy to see the first African American president." Cardoso further added that she was "definitely a happy woman".

Suggested Reading: Barack Obama Shares Adorable Message For Michelle Obama On Their 30th Wedding Anniversary

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Who Was Virginia McLaurin?

  • Virginia McLaurin was born in Cheraw, South Carolina, in 19009 and moved to Washington DC in 1951.
  • In her 113 years of life, McLaurin lived through 20 presidents. McLaurin served as a foster grandparent and spent years volunteering in classrooms in Washington DC.
  • In 2014, she said in a YouTube video, “I didn’t think I’d ever live to see a coloured president. I am so happy."
  • In the video, McLaurin said she would love to meet Barack Obama and Michelle Obama but did not know if it would be possible.
  • According to the White House blog, a friend of McLaurin’s contacted the White House and shared McLaurin’s work as a volunteer in DC.
  • In February 2016, she visited the White house at 106 years old and met the then-president and first lady.
  • The ">video of her meeting the Obamas went viral as McLaurin squealed in excitement and danced as she greeted the then-president. She danced as she greeted Obama and said, “It’s an honour, it’s an honour”.
  • McLaurin later rushed to meet the first lady and the three playfully danced together before they posed for a group photograph.
  • McLaurin told the former president and first lady, “I thought I would never live to get in the White House. And I tell you, I am so happy. A Black president… And I’m here to celebrate Black history.”
Virginia McLaurin