Connect with us

Culture

Virginia McLaurin, who danced with the Obamas, dies at 113

Virginia McLaurin, who went viral after she danced with the Obamas during a 2016 visit to the White House, has died. She was 113.

unheard voices magazine profile logo

Published

on

Virginia McLaurin dies at 113
Virginia McLaurin dances with The Obamas (Video Screenshot)

Virginia McLaurin, who went viral after she danced with the Obamas during a 2016 visit to the White House, has died. She was 113.

Death details for Virginia McLaurin

McLaurin had been in hospice care for several days, her family wrote on her official Facebook page.

“She lived an incredibly full life and appreciated all the love she received from people on this FB page and everywhere she went. (Before the pandemic that is — for the past few years she largely stayed inside.),” the post said.

Viral sensation

The centenarian was best known for a viral video of her meeting then-President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama. In the video, taken over six years ago, McLaurin blissfully breaks into dance as she greets the couple. After someone informs Obama of her age, he asks McLaurin: “So, what’s the secret to still dancing at 106?” She then hugs the couple and poses for photos.

The video has been viewed on the White House Facebook page 70 million times.

The Obamas offered their condolences to McLaurin in a joint tweet on Tuesday.

“Rest in peace, Virginia. We know you’re up there dancing,” they wrote.


Discover more from Unheard Voices Magazine

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Unheard Voices, an award-winning, family-operated online news magazine, began in 2004 as a community newsletter serving Neptune, Asbury Park, and Long Branch, N.J. Over time, it grew into a nationally recognized Black-owned media outlet. The publication remains one of the few dedicated to covering social justice issues. Its honors include the NAACP Unsung Hero Award and multiple media innovator awards for excellence in social justice reporting and communications.

Archives

Tags

unheard voices shop
unheard voices on google play unheard voices on itunes

Trending