Former First Lady Michelle Obama is addressing ongoing rumors about her marriage to Barack Obama, firmly dismissing speculation of a split and highlighting the sexist assumptions that often accompany such narratives. In a recent episode of the "Work in Progress" podcast, hosted by Sophia Bush, Michelle Obama spoke candidly about the unfounded online chatter that surged earlier this year when her husband attended several high-profile events alone, including the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and the inauguration of Donald Trump.
During the podcast, Michelle stated, "This year people couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself. 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?" This comment underscores her frustration with societal expectations that often pressure women to conform to certain roles.
Michelle, who served as First Lady for eight years without scandal—unless one counts Barack Obama’s infamous tan suit—emphasized her desire to make independent choices. "I feel like it’s time for me to make some big girl decisions about my life and own it fully," she said. "Because if not now, when? What am I waiting for?" At 61, she is determined to prioritize her own needs and aspirations.
Despite the swirling rumors, the Obamas continue to express their affection for one another publicly. On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2025, Barack shared a heartfelt post on social media, writing, "Thirty-two years together, and you still take my breath away." Michelle echoed his sentiment in her own post, stating, "If there’s one person I can always count on, it’s you, @BarackObama. You’re my rock. Always have been. Always will be." This display of mutual support counters the negativity surrounding their relationship.
The couple first met in 1988 at a Chicago law firm, where Michelle, a 25-year-old Harvard Law graduate, was assigned to mentor Barack, then a summer associate. They married in 1992 and have two daughters, Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23. Many on social media, particularly within Black communities, have ridiculed the divorce rumors, emphasizing that the Obamas—whose most significant scandal was wearing a tan suit—are often treated with more suspicion than figures like Donald Trump, who is embroiled in numerous controversies.
Moreover, during her podcast appearance, Michelle discussed the challenges women face when asserting their independence. "When I say ‘no,’ for the most part, people are like, ‘I get it,’ and I’m OK," she reflected. "That’s the thing that we, as women, I think we struggle with—disappointing people." This sentiment resonates with many women who often feel pressured to meet others' expectations.
In addition to her podcast, Michelle has been making appearances on other platforms. Recently, she was interviewed by Kylie Kelce on the podcast "Not Gonna Lie." Released on April 10, 2025, the episode featured Kylie, who just welcomed her fourth child, discussing her admiration for Michelle and how she managed to interview her while feeling nervous. "A lot of fans were shocked that we got Michelle Obama. Girl, same. Guys, I still can't wrap my head around it," Kylie shared.
Kylie, who voted for Barack Obama in her first election, also addressed negativity from online commenters during the episode, highlighting her commitment to fostering a positive environment. In response to a disparaging comment, she wrote, "Hi Dana. We actually don’t do this here. If you have nothing nice to say just keep scrolling," which garnered significant support from listeners.
The conversation surrounding Michelle and Barack Obama’s marriage is not new. The couple has navigated public scrutiny throughout their nearly 32-year union. Michelle has previously acknowledged that they sought marriage counseling, a decision she initially approached with the hope that a therapist could help her husband. However, she later recognized that both partners must contribute to each other’s happiness. "I wanted to bring him in to have another person tell him 'Get yourself together,'" she explained, noting that counseling helped them communicate better about their differences.
As Michelle reflects on her marriage and the pressures of public life, she remains committed to authenticity. "We’re role models," she said. "It’s important for us to be honest and say, if you’re in a marriage and there are times you want to leave, that’s normal—because I felt that way." She added that despite challenges, she never considered leaving the marriage.
In recent events, Michelle’s absence from the January 9, 2025, funeral for Jimmy Carter sparked rumors about her marriage. Her advisers clarified that she had a scheduling conflict and was in Hawaii at the time. Meanwhile, Barack attended the funeral and faced criticism for appearing too friendly with Trump, who had recently defeated Kamala Harris in the presidential election.
Despite these challenges, the Obamas remain a united front. Barack remarked at an event on April 3, 2025, "I was in a deep deficit with my wife," alluding to the time they lost during his presidency. Michelle has also mentioned that they are "finding each other again" after years of public service.
Ultimately, Michelle’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment resonates with many, as she navigates the complexities of being a public figure while asserting her independence. As she continues to share her story, she encourages others to embrace their choices and prioritize their own well-being, proving that it’s never too late to reclaim one’s narrative.
