Michelle Obama shuts down divorce rumors and opens up about putting herself first
Former First Lady Michelle Obama addresses marriage speculation and highlights how women are often criticized for choosing themselves.
Michelle Obama has spoken out about the swirling rumors of a divorce from Barack Obama, calling them a result of society’s discomfort with women making independent choices.
Michelle Obama recently joined actress Sophia Bush on her podcast Work in Progress, where she opened up about the big changes in her life now that her daughters, Malia (26) and Sasha (23), have moved out.
Now an “empty nester,” Obama shared the unexpected joy she feels in this new chapter.
“It’s whatever I want,” she said with a smile. “It’s the first time in my life all of my choices are for me.”
Having spent decades supporting her husband’s political career and raising two daughters in the public eye, Michelle said this is the first time she truly feels free to prioritize herself.
Divorce rumors? “People couldn’t even fathom I was choosing myself”
Though Michelle didn’t directly address what sparked the divorce rumors, she acknowledged how her decision to take space for herself caused people to jump to dramatic conclusions.
“This year people were… they couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself,” she said. “They had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”
The speculation reached a high point after Michelle missed former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral on January 9, 2025, and Donald Trump’s recent presidential inauguration. Barack Obama attended both events alone, which fueled even more gossip online.
But Michelle made it clear: her absence wasn’t about marital problems—it was about choosing what felt right for her.
“That’s the thing that we as women, I think… we struggle with disappointing people,” she explained.
Jennifer Aniston responds to wild claims
The divorce buzz even pulled in actress Jennifer Aniston earlier this year. In Touch Weekly had published a claim suggesting Aniston was interested in Barack Obama—a story that quickly made the rounds.
Aniston shut it down immediately.
“I’ve met [Barack] once,” she told reporters. “I know Michelle more than him.”
It was another reminder of how quickly baseless rumors can spin out of control, especially when public figures—particularly women—step back from the spotlight.
Beyond the headlines, Michelle Obama’s words carried a bigger message. She spoke directly to the pressure women often feel to please others, even at the cost of their own happiness.
“The interesting thing is that, when I say ‘no,’ for the most part people are like, ‘I get it.’ And I’m OK,” she said.
Michelle’s honesty offered a glimpse into how hard it can be—even for someone as successful and admired as her—to claim personal space without facing judgment.
Michelle Obama isn’t just shutting down rumors—she’s setting an example. In choosing herself, she’s giving permission for other women to do the same, without apology or guilt.
Whether you’re a former First Lady or just trying to find balance in everyday life, her message is clear: Your happiness matters, too.
