Barack And Michelle Obama Announce The Death Of Family Dog Sunny
Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama announced the death of their dog Sunny, who died on Tuesday at age 13 after 13 years with the family.
Trending Newsfeed Staff Writer · Sep 17, 2026 · 2 min read

A Family Loss Confirmed
Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama confirmed the death of their dog Sunny. The couple stated that the family pet passed away at the age of 13. Sunny was a cherished member of the Obama family for thirteen years.Following a lengthy period that encompassed almost four years residing in the White House, this news emerged. The announcement was made through a joint statement shared on social media.
According to ABC News, the Obamas described Sunny as a “force of nature” during her life. She joined the family in August 2013 during the second term of Barack Obama’s presidency. She was the second Portuguese water dog to live with the family after Bo arrived in 2009. The Washington Examiner reported that the dog died after a period of time with the family. The statement noted that the dog was 13 years old when she died.
Memories of a Loyal Companion
The Obamas shared specific memories of the dog’s high energy and protective nature in their statement. “Yesterday, we lost a cherished member of our family,” the Obamas wrote in their joint message. They recalled how she leaped over hedges on the South Lawn with great ease. “Athletic and full of boundless energy, she leapt over the hedges on the South Lawn like they weren’t even there,” the Obamas wrote. The Washington Times noted that the dog often chased squirrels and birds around the grounds.
Sunny was known for her close bond with the family’s daughters and her brother Bo. She loved the staff and would follow them around to help them on the job. “She loved our team, and would often follow them around, helping them on the job,” the Obamas said. She was also fiercely protective of Bo, who she sensed was not always as alert as she was. According to The Washington Examiner, Bo passed away in 2021 following a struggle against cancer. The Obamas imagine she is now with her big brother to make sure he is okay.
The End of an Era
The statement emphasized that the dog was perfect for the family and always ready for adventure. “As far as our family was concerned, she was pretty much perfect, and for thirteen years, she would be by our side,” the Obamas wrote. They noted she remained fiery and gorgeous until the very end of her days. The couple expressed deep sadness over the loss of their beloved pet. “We will miss her terribly, and imagine she’s with her big brother now, making sure he’s okay,” they wrote. The Washington Examiner reported that the dog and Bo became White House icons during the administration.
Sunny’s time in the spotlight included a notable incident in 2017 when she bit a visitor. The Washington Examiner stated that a visitor attempted to kiss her and subsequently required stitches. The dog’s black, curly coats often stood out against the White House lawn. The family got Sunny at the start of their second term and all of them fell in love. “We got Sunny at the start of our second term in the White House, and all of us – including our first dog, Bo – immediately fell in love,” the Obamas said. The family will miss her terribly now that she is gone.
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