ENTERTAINMENT

The Obamas’ family dog Sunny dies, the former president says

PUBLISHED Sep 16, 2026, 9:36 AM ET

Read, Watch or Listen

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 32

Left 28%

Center 63%

Right 9%

Sources: 32

Former President Barack Obama announced Wednesday that Sunny, the family's 13-year-old Portuguese water dog, has died. Sunny passed away on Tuesday, September 15, 2026. She originally joined the Obama family in August 2013 during his second term in the White House, serving as a high-profile companion alongside the family's first dog, Bo, who died in May 2021. In a social media tribute, Obama remembered Sunny as athletic, full of energy, and protective, noting that she brought immense joy both during their time in Washington and throughout their post-presidency life. Sunny became well-known globally as a symbol of modern presidential pets, capturing public interest alongside Bo. The announcement drew widespread public sympathy and extensive media coverage across the United States. Although the family faced brief public attention over minor incidents during her White House years, Sunny remained a cherished household companion for over a decade.

By Ayesha A. | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On June 11, 2012, Sunny was born in Lansing, Michigan.
On August 19, 2013, First Lady Michelle Obama introduced Sunny to the public.
On December 4, 2013, Sunny accidentally knocked over a two-year-old visitor.
On January 13, 2017, media reported an incident involving Sunny biting a visitor.
On January 20, 2017, Sunny departed the White House following the presidential transition.
On May 8, 2021, the family's first Portuguese water dog, Bo, died.
On September 15, 2026, Sunny died at the age of thirteen years old.
On September 16, 2026, former President Barack Obama announced Sunny passing online.
On September 16, 2026, major news organizations widely reported the family pet's death.
On September 17, 2026, public tributes and animal welfare discussions continued across media platforms.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Sparked widespread public sympathy and widespread social media engagement nationwide.
Possible long-term US impact: Refreshed cultural interest in the history of presidential pets.
Most affected groups: Animal lovers, presidential history enthusiasts, and the Obama family.
Reader priority: Monitor official statements and respectful retrospectives on presidential pets.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 32
Right Leaning:: 3
Left Leaning:: 9
Neutral:: 20

Explain Framing

Left: Emphasized emotional connection and warmth surrounding presidential family life. Center: Reported official statements and historical facts regarding presidential pets neutrally. Right: Highlighted personal pet ownership background alongside political legacy context neutrally.