Michelle Obama has firmly dismissed rumours that she and former US president Barack Obama are heading for divorce, calling the speculation unfounded and rooted in society’s discomfort with women making independent choices.
Speaking on Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress podcast, the former US First Lady laughed off claims that her recent absence from political events attended by Barack indicated a rift in their marriage. “People couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself, that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing,” Michelle said. “This couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?”
As per The New York Post , Michelle acknowledged that her decision to skip several events, including Donald Trump’s second inauguration and former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, led to public speculation. She said that, in truth, she was simply prioritising her personal wellbeing. “Now is the time for me to start asking myself these hard questions of, ‘Who do I truly want to be every day?’” she shared. “And that changes.”
Now 61, Michelle says she is embracing the freedom that comes with life beyond the White House and having her daughters, Malia and Sasha, grown up and living independently. “I get to look at my calendar… and I chose to do what was best for me,” she said, calling it an important test of independence and self-care. “Like all women, I operate from guilt.”
While she is stepping back from some public-facing duties, Michelle made it clear she’s still engaged with projects she’s passionate about, such as girls’ education and advocacy. “It looks like whatever I want it to look like,” she said. “I still find time to give speeches, to be out there in the world.”
The podcast appearance comes just days after Barack Obama admitted that his years in office had taken a toll on their relationship. “I was in a deep deficit with my wife,” he said during a talk at Hamilton College , adding that he has been “trying to dig [himself] out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things.”
Michelle has been candid in the past about the challenges in their marriage, saying during a Revolt TV panel that she “couldn’t stand” Barack for a decade when their children were young and he was rising politically. “Marriage isn’t 50/50 — ever, ever,” she said. “But I would take 10 bad years over 30. It’s just how you look at it.”
Despite the ups and downs, the couple’s bond appears intact. Barack posted a heartfelt message on Instagram for Michelle’s birthday in January: “Happy birthday to the love of my life… You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace — and you look good doing it.”
Michelle responded with a sweet, “Love you, honey! ❤️😘.”
As per The Independent, sources close to the Obamas also stressed they’re not trying to portray a “magical” or “Camelot” romance.
“They don’t pretend… They’re just real about the work it takes,” a source said as cited by Page Six .
Speaking on Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress podcast, the former US First Lady laughed off claims that her recent absence from political events attended by Barack indicated a rift in their marriage. “People couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself, that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing,” Michelle said. “This couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?”
As per The New York Post , Michelle acknowledged that her decision to skip several events, including Donald Trump’s second inauguration and former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, led to public speculation. She said that, in truth, she was simply prioritising her personal wellbeing. “Now is the time for me to start asking myself these hard questions of, ‘Who do I truly want to be every day?’” she shared. “And that changes.”
Now 61, Michelle says she is embracing the freedom that comes with life beyond the White House and having her daughters, Malia and Sasha, grown up and living independently. “I get to look at my calendar… and I chose to do what was best for me,” she said, calling it an important test of independence and self-care. “Like all women, I operate from guilt.”
While she is stepping back from some public-facing duties, Michelle made it clear she’s still engaged with projects she’s passionate about, such as girls’ education and advocacy. “It looks like whatever I want it to look like,” she said. “I still find time to give speeches, to be out there in the world.”
The podcast appearance comes just days after Barack Obama admitted that his years in office had taken a toll on their relationship. “I was in a deep deficit with my wife,” he said during a talk at Hamilton College , adding that he has been “trying to dig [himself] out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things.”
Michelle has been candid in the past about the challenges in their marriage, saying during a Revolt TV panel that she “couldn’t stand” Barack for a decade when their children were young and he was rising politically. “Marriage isn’t 50/50 — ever, ever,” she said. “But I would take 10 bad years over 30. It’s just how you look at it.”
Despite the ups and downs, the couple’s bond appears intact. Barack posted a heartfelt message on Instagram for Michelle’s birthday in January: “Happy birthday to the love of my life… You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace — and you look good doing it.”
Michelle responded with a sweet, “Love you, honey! ❤️😘.”
As per The Independent, sources close to the Obamas also stressed they’re not trying to portray a “magical” or “Camelot” romance.
“They don’t pretend… They’re just real about the work it takes,” a source said as cited by Page Six .
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