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Michelle Obama Shuts Down Divorce Rumors with Barack Obama

Published 6 days ago on Apr 10, 2025

Michelle Obama Breaks Silence on Barack Divorce Rumors and Skipping High-Profile Events: “I Was Making a Choice for Myself”.

Michelle Obama has finally addressed persistent rumors suggesting marital troubles between her and former President Barack Obama, speaking out for the first time about her absence from two major political events: President Donald Trump’s inauguration and the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter.

In a candid interview on actress Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress podcast, the 61-year-old former First Lady set the record straight, revealing that her decision to skip these high-profile appearances was deeply personal—and not a reflection of trouble in her marriage.

Fueling the Rumors: High-Profile Absences

Speculation about a potential split between Michelle and Barack Obama began swirling when Michelle was noticeably absent from President Carter’s funeral in December. The event was attended by all living former U.S. presidents and their spouses, but Michelle’s absence stood out sharply.

Soon after, it was revealed that Michelle had opted for a vacation in Hawaii rather than attending the somber event—raising eyebrows and igniting widespread rumors that there was a rift between the power couple.

Adding fuel to the fire, Michelle was also a no-show at Donald Trump’s inauguration in January. Her absence from both occasions became a topic of viral conversation online, with many users questioning whether the Obamas were quietly heading toward divorce.

Michelle Sets the Record Straight: “I’m Making a Choice for Myself”

In her podcast appearance, Michelle dismissed the public speculation and explained that the decision to skip both events was hers alone—and had nothing to do with any marital issues.

"That’s the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with—disappointing people,” Michelle said. “So much so that 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.”

She continued, “This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right?”

Michelle made it clear that she is focused on living life on her own terms now that she’s no longer in the White House, and said the rumors were reflective of how society imposes expectations on women—especially women in the public eye.

Post-White House Independence

Since leaving the White House in 2016, Michelle has pursued a variety of projects, including bestselling books, speaking engagements, and her continued advocacy for girls’ education.

“Now is the time for me to start asking myself these hard questions of who do I truly want to be every day,” she said during the podcast. “And the answer looks like whatever I want it to look like.”

Despite spending more time away from the political spotlight, Michelle said she continues to prioritize the causes she believes in, especially those focused on youth empowerment and equality.

Barack and Michelle’s Marriage: A History of Honesty

While Michelle firmly rejected the notion of divorce, she has been open about the real challenges she and Barack have faced over their 30+ years of marriage.

In an earlier interview on Revolt TV, Michelle famously admitted, “There were 10 years where I couldn’t stand my husband.” She explained that the strain came during the years their daughters, Malia and Sasha, were young—and Barack was consumed by the demands of political life.

She emphasized that marriage is not about perfection but perseverance.

“People think I’m being catty by saying this... but it’s just the reality,” Michelle said. “Marriage is never 50/50. There were times when I felt like I was giving way more.”

Still, Michelle said she wouldn’t trade the bad years for a life without her husband. “I would take 10 bad years over 30. It’s just how you look at it,” she added.

Barack’s Own Reflections: “I Was in a Deep Deficit”

Barack Obama has also acknowledged the toll his presidency took on his marriage. Speaking at Hamilton College earlier this year, the former president revealed that he’s been actively working to “dig out of a deficit” with his wife after eight years of living in the political spotlight.

“Look, I was in a deep deficit with my wife,” he said. “So I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things—writing my book, planning dates, traveling together.”

The couple’s joint appearances have become less frequent in recent years, but both remain deeply involved in public service. Barack continues to lead initiatives through the Obama Foundation, while Michelle has launched podcasts, a Netflix production company, and continues to tour as a speaker and author.

Social Media and Speculation

Social media users recently pointed to an Instagram birthday post from Barack to Michelle as further evidence of trouble. The photo, showing the couple sitting apart in what appeared to be a basement setup for a quiet dinner, drew criticism for its lack of intimacy.

Others noted a serious conversation between Michelle and her brother Craig Robinson earlier this year, captured in public with Barack nowhere to be seen. Though completely innocuous, these moments have become fodder for online gossip and conspiracy theories.

In March, Michelle and her brother launched a joint podcast that debuted with two episodes, where she again discussed the nuances of marriage—including Barack’s habit of running late.

“He’s improved over 30 years of marriage, but that was a ‘you must adjust,’” she joked.

Prioritizing Self-Care Over Public Pressure

Ultimately, Michelle Obama’s recent remarks suggest that her decisions to skip certain public events were about reclaiming agency in her post-White House life—not a sign of crisis in her marriage.

“I’m at a stage where I’m choosing for me, not for public perception,” she told Bush.

The former first lady’s refreshingly honest comments have offered a powerful reminder: even former first ladies deserve the freedom to make choices based on their own well-being, not public expectation.

As Michelle continues to inspire millions with her candor and resilience, one thing is clear—divorce is not on the table. Rather, the Obamas are navigating their next chapter with the same authenticity and unity that made them one of America’s most admired couples.

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