Michelle Obama On Divorce Rumours, Says She’s Choosing Herself: 'Not What Others Wanted Me To Do'

Former US First Lady Michelle Obama has spoken about her reduced public appearances and political engagements, explaining that she is prioritising her well-being and intentionally reclaiming control over her time.

Speaking to actress Sophia Bush on the Work In Progress podcast, she also addressed persistent rumours of a split from her husband, former US President Barack Obama, while reflecting on how her life has evolved since leaving the White House eight years ago.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

With both her daughters now adults, she shared that she now feels free to re-evaluate her priorities and focus on self-care.

Her noticeable absence from high-profile events such as former President Donald Trump's second inauguration and the recent funeral of ex-President Jimmy Carter led to speculation about her relationship with Barack Obama. The most widespread rumour suggested the couple were on the verge of divorce.

"I could have made a lot of these decisions years ago, but I didn't give myself that freedom. Maybe even as much as I let my kids live their own lives, I use their lives as an excuse for why I couldn't do something," she said, according to CNN.

Obama said that stepping back from certain public commitments was a conscious decision driven by the need to care for herself.

"I get to look at my calendar, which I did this year, was a real big example of me, myself looking at something that I was supposed to do - you know, without naming names - and I chose to do what was best for me, not what I had to do, not what I thought other people wanted me to do," she explained.

She acknowledged the difficulty many women face when it comes to prioritising their own needs, stating, "That's the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with, like disappointing people. I mean, so much so that this year people were, you know - they couldn't even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing."

Despite scaling back on some of her public appearances, Michelle Obama emphasised that she remains active in supporting causes close to her heart. She continues to deliver speeches, participate in initiatives, and advocate for girls' education.

Obama has previously spoken candidly about the pressures on her marriage, particularly during Barack Obama's presidency. In her memoir Becoming, she described moments of emotional strain, including loneliness and fatigue during their years in the White House.

Nevertheless, she has retained a strong presence in public life, especially in the realms of education and politics. She played a key role in the 2024 US election campaign, voicing strong support for Kamala Harris.

At a rally in Michigan ahead of the vote, she declared: "Please, please do not hand our fates over to the likes of Trump, who knows nothing about us, who has shown deep contempt for us."

Michelle and Barack Obama have been married for 32 years and share two daughters.