First grandmother Marian Robinson joined her famous daughter in a joint interview and cover shoot for Essence magazine’s May issue.

In the interview with Essence editor-in-chief Angela Burt-Murray, Robinson, 71, reveals just how proud she is of her daughter. Obama, in a bright floral dress she reportedly bought at Talbots, said her mother had a tremedous impact in her life. The gorgeous duo also spoke about raising good children and being positive role models for the black community.

Below is an excerpt from the interview, available at essence.com:

Mrs. Marian Robinson on seeing her daughter step into this historic role:

… it’s overwhelming. I never doubted that she could do this. She is doing it with such grace and dignity. So I am just proud. I just hope she does what she wants to do. [Chuckles] Because the things that she wants to do are very important. They mean a lot to her.

Mrs. Robinson on what her late husband, Fraser Robinson III, would say about this moment:

He would be beaming until you would just want him to stop talking. He bragged about Michelle and her brother, Craig, before they had even done anything. He always encouraged them, and when he talked about Craig and Michelle, you could just see a smile on his face whether it was there or not.

Mrs. Michelle Obama on how her mother has influenced her own development as a mother:

She completely underestimates her role in who I am. She always says, "You came here that way, I just stayed out of your way …" That’s not how I saw it. My mom is an incredibly intelligent and insightful person about life in general.

Mrs. Obama on what being First Lady means to her:

It’s an honor and a privilege when you walk into the White House-at least I automatically felt a level of obligation. This is a big responsibility, a wonderful platform and I just want to make sure I take every advantage to serve as a role model, to provide good messages, to be a supportive mate to the President and to make sure that my girls are solid.

Essence’s May issue hits newsstands on April 10. Click here for more excerpts from the interview.