'Heartbroken' Obamas Mourn Rob and Michele Reiner: 'Lives Defined by Purpose'?
- - 'Heartbroken' Obamas Mourn Rob and Michele Reiner: 'Lives Defined by Purpose'?
Deborah CruzDecember 15, 2025 at 4:41 AM
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Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obamahave released a heartfelt statement mourning the deaths of acclaimed director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, who were found dead in their Los Angeles home Sunday.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele," Obama wrote in a post on social media platform X on Sunday evening.
Michelle and I are heartbroken by the tragic passing of Rob Reiner and his beloved wife, Michele. Rob’s achievements in film and television gave us some of our most cherished stories on screen. But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of…
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 15, 2025
The statement praised both Rob's professional achievements and the couple's commitment to social causes throughout their lives together.
Barack Obama Remembers Rob Reiner's Impact on American Culture
Obama highlighted Rob Reiner's extensive contributions to film and television, noting how his work shaped American storytelling. The former president described Reiner's creative output as giving audiences some of the most cherished stories on screen.
But Obama's tribute went deeper than Reiner's professional accomplishments. He emphasized the director's fundamental character and values that drove his work both on and off screen.
Photo by Andreas Rentz on Getty Images
"Beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people — and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action," Obama stated.
How Did the Reiners Champion Social Causes?
The Obamas' statement emphasized that Rob and Michele Reiner lived lives guided by purpose and principle. The couple championed numerous social causes throughout their decades together.
Rob co-founded First 5 California, a landmark initiative funded by tobacco taxes to support early childhood development programs. He and Michele fought tirelessly for marriage equality, working to overturn California's Proposition 8, which sought to ban same-sex marriage. They became recognized champions for LGBTQ+ rights.
Related: Rob Reiner's Son Nick Questioned After Director and Wife Michele Found Dead
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed similar sentiments in her own statement Sunday night, calling the loss devastating for the city and country. She noted how the Reiners improved countless lives through creative work and advocacy for social and economic justice.
Obama's tribute concluded with a focus on legacy: "Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose. They will be remembered for the values they championed and the countless people they inspired."
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The couple's daughter Romy discovered her parents Sunday afternoon. The Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division is investigating the deaths. Their son Nick Reiner is being questioned by authorities, though no arrests have been made.
This story was originally published by Parade on Dec 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
