Michelle breaks silence on divorce rumours with Barack Obama: ‘Was making a choice’

In a candid conversation on the Work in Progress podcast with actress Sophia Bush, former First Lady Michelle Obama addressed her recent absence from public events and the rumors surrounding her marriage. The 61-year-old revealed that her decision to step back was driven by a desire for self-care, not marital issues.

Speculation about trouble in the Obamas’ marriage escalated when Michelle did not attend former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral in January 2024 and later announced she would not attend Donald Trump’s second presidential inauguration. Many interpreted her absence as a sign of a rift with her husband, former President Barack Obama.

Michelle set the record straight on the podcast, explaining that her absence was a deliberate personal choice. “I now have the opportunity to control my own calendar,” she said. “I could have made a lot of these decisions years ago, but I didn’t give myself that freedom.”

She emphasised that the choice to skip events was about prioritizing her well-being. “That was me making a choice for myself—not what I had to do, not what I thought other people wanted me to do.”

Michelle addressed the societal pressure women face when asserting personal boundaries. “That’s the thing we as women struggle with—disappointing people. So much so that people couldn’t fathom I was making a choice for myself—they assumed my husband and I were divorcing.”

Despite pulling back from certain public events, Michelle clarified that she remains active in initiatives she cares about. “I still give speeches, work on projects, and continue to support girls’ education,” she said, also mentioning the upcoming opening of the Obama Presidential Center.

Barack Obama recently acknowledged the couple’s past struggles, saying he was “in a deep deficit” with Michelle and has been trying to “dig [himself] out of that hole” with shared experiences. Michelle had earlier written in her memoir Becoming that Barack’s political career placed a strain on their marriage, leaving her feeling lonely and exhausted at times.

Michelle also recently launched a new podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson, which premiered on March 11. The show explores “life’s biggest questions” through honest conversations aimed at fostering connection and comfort.

Michelle hasn’t entirely stepped away from political engagement. During the 2024 campaign, she voiced strong opposition to Donald Trump and supported Vice President Kamala Harris. At a rally in Michigan, she urged voters: “Please, please do not hand our fates over to the likes of Trump, who knows nothing about us, who has shown deep contempt for us.”

Michelle and Barack Obama have been married for 32 years and share two daughters. While they've openly discussed the challenges of balancing public life with their personal relationship, Michelle’s recent comments reaffirm their ongoing commitment—and her decision to finally prioritize herself.