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Update: Obama Calls His Grand Mother A Quiet Hero (Video)

Update: The Obama Family statement

“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.  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.”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) Barack Obama says that his grandmother has died.

The Democratic presidential candidate announced the news in a joint statement with his sister Maya Soetoro-Ng (SOH’-eh-tor-oh ENG).

Madelyn Dunham died peacefully after a battle with cancer.

The Illinois senator says Dunham was the cornerstone of the family and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength and humility.

He says she was the person who encouraged and allowed the family to take chances.

The candidate learned of her death this morning while campaigning in Florida.

Late last month, Obama took a break from campaigning and flew to Hawaii to be with the 86-year-old who helped raise him.