Dorothy Height, the “Godmother of American civil rights,” passed away in 2010 at 98. Key moments: Sandy Hook Massacre (2012): Obama shared grief with victims’ families. Inauguration Farewell: Obama got emotional about his daughters in 2017.

Loss of His Grandmother (2008): Obama honored his late grandmother, Madelyn Dunham. Daniel Inouye’s Funeral (2012): Obama cited Inouye’s influence on his career. Gun Laws (2016): Obama pushed for stricter laws after Sandy Hook. Aretha Franklin Tribute (2015): Obama and Michelle were moved by Franklin’s performance