Michelle Obama firmly denies divorce rumors that emerged after her absence from several high-profile events, explaining her choices stem from personal growth and self-care at age 61.
Quick Takes
- Michelle Obama addressed divorce speculation on Sophia Bush’s “Work in Progress” podcast
- Rumors intensified after she missed Jimmy Carter’s funeral and President Trump’s second inauguration
- The former First Lady emphasized her right to make personal choices without negative labels
- She explained her absences reflect her commitment to self-care, not marital problems
- Barack Obama previously mentioned working to improve their relationship but didn’t directly address divorce rumors
Setting the Record Straight
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has finally addressed the swirling rumors about her marriage to Barack Obama during a candid appearance on Sophia Bush’s “Work in Progress” podcast. Speculation about potential marital troubles emerged after Michelle’s notable absence from several high-profile events, including former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and President Donald Trump’s second inauguration ceremony in January 2025. These absences led to widespread conjecture across social media and various news outlets about the status of the Obamas’ relationship, which has now lasted more than three decades.
During the podcast conversation, Michelle, now 61, explained that her absence from these events was not indicative of marital strife but rather represented her conscious decision to prioritize her personal needs and well-being. She expressed frustration with how her choices had been interpreted, suggesting that society often jumps to negative conclusions when women make independent decisions that don’t align with expectations. The former First Lady emphasized that her personal choices have no bearing on the strength of her marriage.
Michelle Obama addresses divorce rumors about her and Barack Obama https://t.co/Bh5RX7JWUW
— ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) April 10, 2025
Challenging Gender Expectations
In her discussion with Bush, Michelle highlighted the double standard women often face when making personal choices. She pointed out how her decisions were immediately linked to her marriage rather than being viewed as the independent choices of a mature woman. “This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?” Michelle remarked, addressing the tendency for observers to create narratives that frame women’s choices in relation to their spouses rather than as expressions of personal agency.
“The interesting thing is that, when I say ‘no,’ for the most part people are like, ‘I get it, and I’m okay,'” Michelle Obama said.
The former First Lady detailed how she’s embracing a new chapter in her life, one where she feels empowered to make decisions based on her own desires and needs rather than external expectations. At 61, Michelle emphasized that she has earned the right to be selective about her commitments and to prioritize activities that bring her joy and fulfillment. She encouraged other women to similarly embrace their autonomy without apology, suggesting that self-care should not be viewed as selfish but as essential.
Barack’s Perspective
While Barack Obama has not directly addressed the divorce rumors, he made comments during a conversation with Hamilton College president Steven Tepper that suggested he recognizes the importance of working on his marriage. Without specifically mentioning the speculation, the former president acknowledged some past shortcomings in his relationship with Michelle, indicating his commitment to making improvements in their partnership.
“I was in a deep deficit with my wife, so I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things” Barack Obama stated.
This statement from Barack, while not a direct response to divorce rumors, demonstrates his ongoing dedication to maintaining a healthy relationship with Michelle. Sources close to the couple have consistently maintained that despite the challenges that come with public life, the Obamas remain committed to each other and their shared values. Michelle’s recent comments serve to reinforce this narrative, putting to rest speculation about the status of their marriage while asserting her right to personal growth and self-determination.
