Barack Obama Mourns the Loss of Beloved Dog Sunny
WHO:
TMZ - Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, announced the death of his dog Sunny.
NY Post - Sunny Obama, the former first dog, was owned by Barack Obama.
WHAT:
CNN - Sunny was 14 years old at the time of her death.
CNN - Sunny was born in 2012 in Michigan and was purchased from a breeder.
CNN - Barack Obama described Sunny as "a free-spirited rambler who seemed to see no point in being house-trained."
CNN - Sunny accompanied the Obama family aboard Air Force One on their annual vacations to Hawaii and Martha’s Vineyard.
CNN - Sunny met Pope Francis in the White House Blue Room in 2015.
CNN - Sunny was known for being a "loud and sloppy drinker" and "hated getting wet."
CNN - Sunny reportedly bit an 18-year-old guest in the face, leaving a cut that required stitches, as the Obamas were preparing to move out in January 2017.
CNN - Bo, Sunny's companion, passed away in 2021 at the age of 12.
CBS News Politics - Barack Obama described Sunny as "a cherished member of our family" in his Instagram post.
TMZ - Sunny, the Obama family's Portuguese water dog, has died.
NY Post - Sunny was 13 years old at the time of her death.
WHEN:
NY Post - Barack Obama announced the death of Sunny on a Wednesday.
HOW:
TMZ - Barack Obama revealed the news through a heartfelt message on Instagram.
(UPDATED September 16, 2026 19:02 UTC)
Sunny, the beloved dog of the Obama family, has passed away at the age of 14. Born in 2012 in Michigan, she was known for her spirited personality and memorable moments, including her time aboard Air Force One and a meeting with Pope Francis in 2015. Sunny was also recognized for her quirky habits, such as being a "loud and sloppy drinker" and her dislike of getting wet, and she was the companion of Bo, who sadly passed away in 2021.
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(UPDATED September 16, 2026 16:02 UTC)
Barack Obama took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message about Sunny, describing her as "a cherished member of our family." The post highlights the special bond the Obamas have with their beloved pet. This touching tribute reflects the affection and joy that Sunny brought into their lives.
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(UPDATED September 16, 2026 14:02 UTC)
Barack Obama announced the death of his beloved dog Sunny, the former first dog, through a heartfelt message on Instagram. Sunny, a Portuguese water dog, was 13 years old at the time of her passing. The announcement came on a Wednesday, marking a sad moment for the Obama family.