Barack Obama’s grandmother, who raised him while his mother pursued a career in anthropology, has died at age 86. Madelyn Dunham passed away in Hawaii on Sunday following long battle with cancer, the Democratic presidential candidate and his half-sister have announced.

The Obama Family have issued the following statement: “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.”

And just one day before the election……Very sad.