Barack Obama and his grandmother. Sen. Barack Obama's grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, died following a bout with cancer. She was 86.

Barack and his sister released a statement saying, "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."

Obama and Soetoro- Ng asked that donations be made for the search for a cure for cancer in lieu of flowers. A small private ceremony will be held "at a later date."