Michelle Obama Shuts Down Divorce Rumors, Speaks on Women’s Struggles
Rumors about Barack and Michelle Obama’s marriage have been circulating, but Michelle addressed them directly during her appearance on Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress podcast.
About nine minutes in, the former First Lady opened up about life as an “empty nester” now that daughters Malia (26) and Sasha (23) have moved out.
“[Life] is whatever I want… It’s the first time in my life all of my choices are for me,” she said, reflecting on her newfound freedom after years of putting her family first.
Michelle spoke candidly about how women often struggle to prioritize themselves. Saying “no,” she noted, can trigger judgment and speculation — including rumors of a split from Barack.
“So much so, that this year… people couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself—they had to assume we were divorcing.”
The rumors intensified after she missed key events like President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and Donald Trump’s inauguration, both attended by Barack.
Further gossip linked the speculation to a In Touch Weekly story claiming Jennifer Aniston was pursuing Barack—claims Aniston firmly denied: “I’ve met [Barack] once. I know Michelle more.”