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.
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.
Rest in peace, Virginia. We know you’re up there dancing. pic.twitter.com/y31XQ8MdPC
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) November 15, 2022