Obama reports death of his beloved grandmother

The 86-year-old who the Democratic presidential candidate says "taught [him] about hard work" died today from cancer.

Obama announced the passing of Madelyn Payne Dunham in a joint statement with his sister Maya Soetoro-Ng.

"She was the cornerstone of our family, and a woman of extraordinary accomplishment, strength, and humility. She was the person who encouraged and allowed us to take chances," he said.