In a candid podcast interview, former First Lady Michelle Obama addressed speculation surrounding her marriage to Barack Obama, particularly in light of her absence from significant public events. She emphasized the importance of making personal choices, dispelling the notion that her decisions reflect marital discord.
Michelle Obama Clarifies Divorce Rumors Amid Public Absences
Michelle Obama Clarifies Divorce Rumors Amid Public Absences
In a recent podcast, Michelle Obama addressed rumors regarding her marriage and highlighted the importance of personal decision-making.
April 10, 2025, 7:57 a.m. ET
In an insightful discussion on the podcast "Work in Progress," hosted by actress Sophia Bush, Michelle Obama tackled rumors suggesting that she and her husband, former President Barack Obama, were facing marital issues. The speculation has intensified due to her absence from high-profile occasions in January, including the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
While her absence at the Carter funeral was attributed to scheduling conflicts, there was no clear explanation given for why she did not attend the inauguration. Michelle Obama, however, shed light on her choices, declaring her intent to prioritize her own needs. “I chose to do what’s best for me, not what I had to do,” she stated.
Reflecting on these misconceptions, she expressed frustration with societal assumptions that a woman’s autonomy must imply issues within her marriage. "People 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 said. "This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that is what society does to us."
Although she did not explicitly address the rumors of discord, Michelle Obama offered a broader perspective on personal growth, stating, “Now is the time for me to start asking myself these hard questions of, ‘Who do I truly want to be every day?’”
With her daughters now adults and her departure from the White House, she reflected on her right to control her own life choices, affirming, “I learned that I can really only control me." The conversation marked a rare glimpse into her personal reflections since stepping away from her public role.
Claire Moses is a Times reporter in London, focusing on breaking news and trending stories.
In an insightful discussion on the podcast "Work in Progress," hosted by actress Sophia Bush, Michelle Obama tackled rumors suggesting that she and her husband, former President Barack Obama, were facing marital issues. The speculation has intensified due to her absence from high-profile occasions in January, including the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and President Donald Trump’s inauguration.
While her absence at the Carter funeral was attributed to scheduling conflicts, there was no clear explanation given for why she did not attend the inauguration. Michelle Obama, however, shed light on her choices, declaring her intent to prioritize her own needs. “I chose to do what’s best for me, not what I had to do,” she stated.
Reflecting on these misconceptions, she expressed frustration with societal assumptions that a woman’s autonomy must imply issues within her marriage. "People 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 said. "This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that is what society does to us."
Although she did not explicitly address the rumors of discord, Michelle Obama offered a broader perspective on personal growth, stating, “Now is the time for me to start asking myself these hard questions of, ‘Who do I truly want to be every day?’”
With her daughters now adults and her departure from the White House, she reflected on her right to control her own life choices, affirming, “I learned that I can really only control me." The conversation marked a rare glimpse into her personal reflections since stepping away from her public role.
Claire Moses is a Times reporter in London, focusing on breaking news and trending stories.
