Former First Lady Michelle Obama recently addressed swirling rumors regarding her marriage to former President Barack Obama during an episode of Sophia Bush's "Work in Progress" podcast, which aired on April 9, 2025. The speculation about a potential divorce arose after Michelle opted to skip several high-profile political events, including the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and the inauguration of President Donald Trump. These decisions led some to assume that her actions indicated marital strife, a notion she firmly rejected.
During the podcast, Michelle, now 61, emphasized her newfound independence and the importance of making choices for herself. "It’s whatever I want, Sophia," she told Bush, explaining that this is the first time in her life that all her choices are truly her own. “I could have made a lot of these decisions years ago, but I didn’t give myself that freedom,” she reflected, acknowledging that she previously allowed her responsibilities as a mother and the demands of her husband’s presidency to dictate her schedule.
Michelle's candid remarks highlighted the societal pressures women face regarding their decisions. "That’s the thing that we as women struggle with — disappointing people," she noted, pointing out that many people couldn’t fathom her exercising personal choice without it being linked to a crisis in her marriage. "They had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing. This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that’s what society does to us," she explained.
Her decision to skip events, including Carter's funeral, was a personal choice rooted in her desire to prioritize her own well-being. Michelle admitted, "I skipped [Carter's funeral] because I was vacationing in Hawaii," emphasizing her right to choose how to spend her time now that she and Barack are empty-nesters with their daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, having moved out.
Barack Obama, now 63, also recently spoke about their marriage during a conversation with Hamilton College President Steven Tepper. He acknowledged that he felt he was in a "deep deficit with my wife" after their years in the White House, suggesting that both were making efforts to reconnect and enjoy life together outside of the political spotlight. He mentioned, "I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things," indicating a mutual desire to strengthen their relationship.
Despite the rumors, the couple has publicly expressed their affection for one another. Just months before the podcast, Barack shared a heartfelt birthday message for Michelle on social media, calling her "the love of my life" and praising her warmth and humor. Michelle responded in kind, reaffirming their bond with a simple, "Love you, honey! ❤️😘." This public display of affection stands in stark contrast to the gossip surrounding their marriage.
Michelle's remarks during the podcast also touched on the guilt many women feel when prioritizing their needs over societal expectations. "When I say no, for the most part, people are like, ‘I get it,’" she shared, acknowledging the difficulty of navigating personal choices in a world that often pressures women to conform to traditional roles. "But I didn’t give myself that freedom. Maybe even as much as I let my kids lead their own lives, I used their lives as an excuse for why I couldn’t do something. And now that’s gone,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to self-care and personal growth.
As she reflects on her journey, Michelle Obama is determined to embrace her independence. "If not now, when? What am I waiting for?" she asked, signaling her readiness to explore new opportunities and experiences without the constraints of her previous roles. She expressed a desire to engage in activities that bring her joy, such as playing tennis and enjoying lunch with friends, illustrating her shift towards a more fulfilling and self-directed life.
Looking forward, Michelle remains committed to her advocacy work, particularly in areas like girls' education, and continues to engage with public speaking and community projects. "I still care about girls’ education," she affirmed, highlighting that her commitment to important causes remains steadfast even as she carves out time for herself.
In a world where personal choices are often scrutinized, Michelle Obama stands as a powerful example of a woman reclaiming her narrative and asserting her agency. Her candid discussion about navigating life beyond the White House offers a refreshing perspective on the balance between personal happiness and public expectation. As she continues to redefine her role, both as a public figure and a private individual, Michelle's journey resonates with many who seek to prioritize their own needs amidst societal pressures.
Ultimately, her message is clear: it is essential to make choices that reflect one's true desires and to embrace the freedom that comes with those decisions. Michelle Obama’s experience serves as a reminder that self-discovery and personal fulfillment are vital, even for those who have lived much of their lives in the public eye.
