Washington, D.C.: Former First Lady Michelle Obama has finally addressed long-standing speculation surrounding her marriage to former President Barack Obama, as well as her noticeably reduced presence at major political events. In a candid and empowering conversation on the Work In Progress podcast with actress Sophia Bush, Michelle opened up about shifting priorities, self-care, and life after the White House.
Since stepping away from center-stage political appearances, including Donald Trump’s second inauguration and the recent funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, Michelle’s absence fueled gossip about potential marital issues. But she made it clear: there is no trouble in paradise—just a woman choosing herself for the first time in a long time.
“I could have made a lot of these decisions years ago, but I didn’t give myself that freedom. Maybe even as much as I let my kids live their own lives, I use their lives as an excuse for why I couldn’t do something” ,Michelle shared during the podcast.
The 60-year-old public figure revealed she is now consciously prioritizing her well-being, especially as her daughters—Malia Ann and Natasha Marian (Sasha)—have grown up and moved forward with their own lives. This new stage, she says, is about “reclaiming control” of her time and space.
“I get to look at my calendar, which I did this year, was a real big example of me, myself looking at something that I was supposed to do… and I chose to do what was best for me, not what I had to do, not what I thought other people wanted me to do”, she explained.
Michelle also reflected on the societal pressure women often feel to meet others’ expectations—even at the expense of their own mental health.
“That’s the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with, like disappointing people… so much so that this year people were, you know—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”.
While she has stepped back from certain ceremonial roles, Michelle remains deeply committed to her advocacy work, particularly around girls’ education and civic engagement. Her influence continues to be felt through her initiatives, public statements, and bestselling memoir Becoming, in which she previously detailed the emotional toll of her years in the White House and the challenges faced in her marriage.
In the 2024 election cycle, Michelle took a strong political stance, backing Kamala Harris and warning voters against a Trump comeback.
“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”, she urged during a rally in Michigan.
Michelle and Barack Obama, who have been married for 32 years, remain one of America’s most respected power couples. Despite living more privately, their partnership and influence continue to shape public discourse and inspire millions across the globe.
