People have been talking a lot lately about Michelle Obama and her marriage to Barack Obama. Some gossip websites even started rumors that the couple was getting a divorce. But now, Michelle has spoken up and set the record straight.
No, she and Barack are not splitting up. They’re living a little differently now, and that’s perfectly normal.
In a recent podcast with actress Sophia Bush, Michelle Obama talked openly about how her life has changed since leaving the White House. She explained how being an empty nester (her daughters Sasha and Malia are now grown) has given her more time and freedom to focus on herself.
“It’s the first time in my life all of my choices are for me,” she said.
But that new freedom confused people. Many assumed something was wrong in her marriage.
“That’s the thing that we women struggle with — disappointing people,” Michelle said. “People couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself.”
She shared her frustration about how women are treated in society. People quickly start using harsh and ugly labels when they don’t fit certain expectations. It upsets her that women are often judged unfairly just for being different or not fitting a specific image.
Michelle also reflected on her past. While living in the White House and raising two daughters, she didn’t always feel free to make decisions for herself. Now, with her official duties behind her, she finally feels like she can breathe.
“I could have made a lot of these decisions years ago,” she said. “But I didn’t give myself that freedom.”
Her husband, Barack Obama, also recently opened up. In an interview at Hamilton College, he admitted that marriage isn’t always perfect—especially when one partner is president of the United States.
The former president humorously admitted that he was in a “deep deficit” with Michelle due to the demands of his presidency. “So I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasionally fun things,” he said.
Michelle has also been honest about their struggles. In a 2022 interview with Revolt TV, she said there was a 10-year period when she “couldn’t stand” Barack. “Guess when it happened? When those kids were little,” she said, laughing.
She explained that marriage is not always 50/50. Sometimes, one partner gives more than the other, and that’s okay as long as both people keep showing up and trying.
Now, Michelle is focused on her next chapter. She recently launched a podcast with her brother, Craig Robinson, called IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson. The podcast talks about life, growth, and being honest with yourself — without politics.
She wants to help people, especially women, feel okay doing what makes them happy.
Michelle shared that people are often quick to judge others without knowing them, and she believes it’s essential to pause and think before reacting.
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
