Michelle Obama, the former First Lady, addressed ongoing divorce rumors during a Thursday, June 26, 2025, appearance on NPR’s Wild Card podcast. She explained that the infrequent public appearances with her husband, former President Barack Obama, have led to speculation about their 32-year marriage.
During the podcast, Obama discussed the increased scrutiny of her personal life since leaving the White House in 2017. She noted that the absence of regular social media updates or public appearances with Barack often leads people to assume marital issues. Obama stated, “We’re 60, y’all. You just are not gonna know what we’re doing every minute of the day.”
Speculation intensified earlier this year when Obama did not attend President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20, although Barack Obama was present. Her absence from Jimmy Carter’s funeral further fueled discussions about their relationship.
In an April 24 podcast episode with actress Taraji P. Henson, Obama explained that skipping Trump’s inauguration was an act of self-care, as she is now in a phase where she wants to define her life independently. She described how her decisions have been met with criticism, with assumptions about her marriage instead of recognition of her autonomy.
Obama expressed frustration over society’s inability to accept a woman’s independent choices without negative assumptions. On Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress podcast on April 9, she highlighted that people were quick to assume divorce instead of her exercising autonomy, reflecting broader societal expectations.
The former First Lady disclosed she is attending therapy to navigate this new life phase. In an April interview on the Jay Shetty Podcast, Obama mentioned that as an empty nester, she is seeking professional guidance to handle this transition.
Obama noted that therapy helps her “unwind some old habits” and “sort through some old guilt” while planning her future. She emphasized the importance of having “other voices” to converse with and understanding herself beyond public service.
Barack Obama also spoke about their relationship at an April 3 event at Hamilton College’s Sacerdote Series in New York. He acknowledged being in a “deep deficit” with his wife after his presidency and is working to improve their relationship by engaging in more joint activities.
On a May 1 episode of The Diary of a CEO podcast, Michelle Obama discussed the presidency’s impact on their marriage and concerns for their daughters’ safety. She explained that the White House’s security was centered on one individual, complicating family protection.
The Obamas’ daughters, Malia, now 26, and Sasha, 24, were 10 and seven, respectively, when their father assumed the presidency. Obama spoke of the challenge of ensuring their well-being post-presidency, crediting her late mother, Marian Robinson, for providing stability during that period.
Obama has reiterated that if genuine marital issues existed, the public would be made aware. In her May interview, she mentioned that she would approach any real problems with transparency, indicating she would be “problem-solving in public.”
The former First Lady acknowledged that while marriage remains challenging, she “wouldn’t trade it.” She emphasized their mutual commitment to the relationship, noting that neither she nor Barack is willing to give up, forming the foundation of their marriage.
On Father’s Day, June 15, Obama shared a throwback photo from November 2004 of the family awaiting the results of Barack’s Senate election. She praised Barack’s consistent presence as a father, highlighting his unwavering support despite his responsibilities.
The couple’s latest public appearance, on May 27, helped diminish ongoing speculation about their relationship. Obama continues to host her podcast “IMO” with her brother Craig Robinson while working on projects like her upcoming book “The Look,” set for release on November 4.
