Michelle Obama has directly addressed the divorce rumors, confirming they are false and stemming from her decision to prioritize her own well-being by choosing to skip certain high-profile events. She and former President Barack Obama are still married and have publicly displayed their affection.
Michelle Obama’s Explanation
Michelle Obama tackled the rumors—which were fueled by her absence from events like President Donald Trump’s inauguration and former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral—during an appearance on the Work In Progress With Sophia Bush podcast. She stated that the speculation arose because people struggled to believe that a woman, particularly a well-known one, would make a choice for herself:
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Self-Choice: She emphasized that her absence was a deliberate choice for herself to manage her schedule and prioritize her needs after leaving the White House, not a sign of marital trouble.
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Societal Stereotypes: She pointed out the restrictive nature of societal expectations, stating, “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 noted that if a woman’s actions don’t fit the expected “stereotype” of being constantly by her husband’s side, the decision is often “labeled as something negative and horrible.”
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Marriage Statement: On her own podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson, she definitively stated: “There hasn’t been one moment in our marriage where I thought about quitting my man.”
The Obamas, who married in 1992, have continuously reaffirmed their bond. For instance, on Valentine’s Day, she shared a loving photo and note to Barack Obama, calling him her “rock.”
