Michelle Obama Shuts Down Divorce Rumors, Emphasizes Women’s Freedom
Divorce rumors have circulated about Barack and Michelle Obama, but on Wednesday, Michelle addressed them directly on Sophia Bush’s podcast, Work in Progress.
About nine minutes into the episode, Michelle reflected on life as an empty nester now that daughters Malia (26) and Sasha (23) have moved out.
“[Life] is whatever I want,” she said. “It’s the first time in my life all of my choices are for me.”
She discussed years of prioritizing her family and husband’s career, and how she’s now embracing the freedom to focus on herself—a freedom many women struggle to claim.
“When I say ‘no,’ people get it,” she said. But she acknowledged the backlash that often comes with women asserting independence: “People couldn’t fathom I was making a choice for myself—they assumed we were divorcing.”
Speculation was fueled by her absence at Jimmy Carter’s funeral and Donald Trump’s inauguration, both of which Barack attended. A Vanity Fair piece even cited In Touch Weekly rumors involving actress Jennifer Aniston, who firmly denied any involvement: “I’ve met [Barack] once. I know Michelle more than him.”