Rumors about a potential divorce between Barack and Michelle Obama have been circulating for some time. However, on Wednesday, Michelle took the chance to confront these speculations directly while also highlighting the unrealistic standards society imposes on women.
A Mother and Public Figure
During her appearance on Sophia Bush’s podcast, Work in Progress, Michelle Obama opened up about her life changes now that her daughters, Malia (26) and Sasha (23), have left home. About nine minutes into the conversation, the former First Lady shared a heartfelt insight into her experience as an “empty nester.”
She expressed that her favorite aspect of this new phase is both simple and liberating:
“[Life] is whatever I want, Sophia. It’s whatever I want,” she said with a cheerful tone.
“It’s the first time in my life that all my choices are for me.”
For many years, Obama has juggled the challenging roles of mother, public figure, and partner, often putting her husband Barack Obama’s career and her children’s needs ahead of her own.
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Now that her family has grown and she is entering a new phase in her personal life, she is taking back control.
However, this newfound freedom to make her own choices was not easily attained, especially as a woman. Obama shared the challenges many women encounter when it comes to allowing themselves to prioritize their own needs.
“The interesting thing is that when I say ‘no,’ most people respond with, ‘I understand.’ And I feel fine about it,” Michelle noted.
Her tone then shifted from playful to serious as she discussed public perception and the backlash that can arise from asserting her independence.
“That’s something we women often grapple with… the fear of disappointing others. This year, for instance, people were so shocked by my decision that they jumped to the conclusion that my husband and I were getting a divorce.”
Aniston dismissed the rumors.
According to various reports—perhaps exaggerated, but reports nonetheless—concerns about the stability of the Obamas’ marriage emerged after Michelle did not attend both the funeral for Jimmy Carter on January 9, 2025, and Donald Trump’s inauguration.
While Obama did not specify what decision sparked the divorce rumors, her absence from significant events like President Trump’s inauguration and President Carter’s funeral led to speculation, especially since her husband attended both.
In January, Vanity Fair connected the rumors to a story in In Touch Weekly, which claimed that actress Jennifer Aniston was allegedly trying to win Barack Obama’s affection—a claim Aniston quickly refuted.
“I’ve only met [Barack] once. I know Michelle much better than him,” Aniston stated.
