by Temitope Oladeji
11/4/2025
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has publicly addressed growing speculation about the state of her marriage to former President Barack Obama, firmly denying any suggestion of a separation and asserting her right to prioritize her well-being.
The rumors began after Mrs. Obama was notably absent from several prominent public events, including Donald Trump’s inauguration and the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter.
While she did not reference these specific events, she discussed the issue candidly on the Work in Progress podcast hosted by actress Sophia Bush.
Speaking about the assumptions made regarding her recent absences, Mrs. Obama said, “That’s the thing that we as women struggle with, disappointing people.”
She further stated, “This year, people couldn’t even fathom that I was choosing myself. They had to assume that my husband and I were divorcing.”
She continued, “This couldn’t just be a grown woman making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that’s what society does to us.”
Emphasizing her agency and independence, the former first lady explained, “I chose to do what was best for me, not what I had to do, not what I thought others wanted me to do.”
She described her current stage in life as one where she has total freedom of her schedule and priorities.
Although she has stepped back from certain ceremonial and political roles, Mrs. Obama remains active in public life.
The former First Lady continues to deliver speeches, advocate for global girls’ education, and engage in various social initiatives.
She notably gave a passionate address at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) over the summer, telling a crowd in Chicago, “Hope is making a comeback,” as she rallied support for then-Democrat presidential nominee Kamala Harris.
The Obamas celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary in October, which underscored the longevity of their partnership.
In her memoir Becoming, Mrs. Obama previously opened up about the challenges their relationship faced during Mr. Obama’s political rise, including the strain of his long absences and the demands of a new lifestyle in the White House as the First Lady.
Despite those hurdles, she has remained sincere about the complexities of their marriage and the importance of personal growth.
Her latest remarks serve as both a rejection of public speculation and a broader commentary on societal expectations placed on women, particularly those in the public eye.