Michelle Obama Speaks Out on Barack Split Rumors
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Former first lady Michelle Obama has addressed Barack Obama split rumors in a new interview.
Newsweek reached out to former President Barack Obama's representative outside regular working hours on Monday.
The Context
The Obamas wed on October 3, 1992, and share two children together: daughters Malia Obama, 26, and Sasha Obama, 24.
Michelle Obama did not attend former President Jimmy Carter's state funeral in January. She later announced that she would also not be attending President Donald Trump's second presidential inauguration alongside her husband.
In January, Meghan McCain—the daughter of the late Republican Senator John McCain—said on her podcast Citizen McCain that she heard rumors the couple was getting a divorce "by reputable people."
"Very serious journalists telling me that they're hearing that the Obama divorce rumors are true," she said at the time.
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama attend a men's singles first round match during the 2023 US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium on August 28, 2023 in New York City.
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama attend a men's singles first round match during the 2023 US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium on August 28, 2023 in New York City.
Jean Catuffe/GC Images
What To Know
During Thursday's episode of NPR's Wild Card with Rachel Martin, Michelle Obama dispelled divorce rumors.
"Even in this phase in our lives, when Barack and I say something right or wrong, it does get covered," the former first lady said.
"You know, the fact that people don't see me going out on a date with my husband sparks rumors of the end of our marriage. I mean, it's sort of..." Michelle Obama continued, before host Rachel Martin chimed in, "It's like the apocalypse!"
"It's the apocalypse," the IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson podcast host agreed. "It's like, OK, so we don't Instagram every minute of our lives. We are 60. We're 60, y'all. We just, you just are not gonna know what we're doing every minute of the day, you know?"
This isn't the first time Michelle Obama, 61, spoke out about breakup rumors. On an April episode of Work in Progress with Sophia Bush, the Becoming author addressed her absences at recent events.
"When I say no, for the most part people are like, I get it. And that's the thing we as women struggle with, is disappointing people. So much so that this year, people couldn't fathom that I was making a choice for myself, that they had to assume my husband and I were divorcing," she said. "This couldn't be a grown woman making a set of decisions for herself."
What People Are Saying
Barack Obama shared in a May 11 post on Instagram: "Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms and mother-figures! @MichelleObama, the girls and I are so lucky to have you in our lives. We love you."
The former president wished his wife a happy birthday in January via Instagram: "Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama. You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace—and you look good doing it. I'm so lucky to be able to take on life's adventures with you. Love you!"
He also wished her a Happy Valentine's Day in February on the social media platform: "Thirty-two years together and you still take my breath away. Happy Valentine's Day, @MichelleObama!"
What Happens Next
New episodes of Wild Card with Rachel Martin air weekly on platforms like YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson airs new episodes on Wednesdays on the same platforms.
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