Michelle Obama Defends Marriage Amid Divorce Rumors

Former First Lady clears up divorce rumors, saying her absence from events was a personal choice, nothing implied.

Michelle Obama addressed recent rumors about her marriage to former President Barack Obama, clarifying that their 31-year relationship is strong and not facing any challenges as speculated.

During an appearance on Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress podcast, Obama explained that her recent absence from several public events with her husband was not indicative of any marital problems. “I mean, so much so that this year people were, they couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself, that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing,” she remarked. These rumors gained traction after Michelle was notably absent from key events, which sparked whispers about a potential rift between the couple.

 

 

 

 

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The 61-year-old lawyer and author made it clear that her absence had nothing to do with her marriage but rather reflected her decision to prioritize her own time. She cited ongoing commitments, including her work with the Obama Presidential Center, which is under construction in Chicago and set to open in 2025. “I still care about girls’ education. The library is opening in a year from now, (but there are) certain things I am and am not doing with the library,” she added.

Michelle also spoke candidly about the societal pressure women face when they set boundaries and say no to opportunities. “But, the interesting thing is that when I say no (to a project), for the most part, people are like, ‘I get it’ and I’m OK. That’s the thing that we as women struggle with – disappointing people,” she shared.

Expressing frustration with how quickly the public jumped to conclusions about her marriage, she noted how society often fails to recognize women's autonomy. “This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself. But, that’s what society does to us. We start actually finally going, ‘What am I doing? Who am I doing this for?'” she reflected.

Michelle and Barack Obama, who married in 1992 and have two daughters, continue to maintain a strong partnership despite external speculation. The Obama Presidential Center, which has garnered significant attention, is expected to open next year.