Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama took to social media on Valentine’s Day to publicly affirm their 32-year marriage, posting matching selfies that showed the couple with their temples pressed together, amid swirling divorce rumors that have intensified in recent weeks.
“You still take my breath away,” Barack Obama, 63, wrote in his Valentine’s Day message to his wife. Michelle Obama, 61, responded with her own post, writing “If there’s one person I can always count on, it’s you, @BarackObama. You’re my rock. Always have been. Always will be. Happy Valentine’s Day, honey!”
The public display of affection comes after weeks of speculation about the state of their marriage, fueled by Michelle Obama’s notable absences from high-profile events. The former First Lady skipped former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral, where she would have been seated next to former President Donald Trump. She was also absent from Inauguration Day events.
The rumors gained additional traction when Meghan McCain spoke about the couple’s alleged marital troubles on her podcast. “I’m not talking about TMZ. I’m not talking about Perez Hilton,” McCain stated. “I’m talking about like very serious journalists telling me that they’re hearing that the Obama divorce rumors are true.”
Adding to the speculation were unfounded claims about a supposed relationship between the former president and actress Jennifer Aniston, a rumor that has persisted for over a decade. Aniston has previously denied these allegations, characterizing them as “absolutely untrue.”
While the Obamas haven’t directly addressed the divorce speculation, they have maintained a united front online. On January 17, Barack Obama celebrated Michelle’s birthday by sharing a photo of them holding hands at her birthday dinner. In his post, he wrote, “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!”
The couple has also continued their philanthropic work together. On January 30, they announced plans to create a memorial garden at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of Hadiya Pendleton, a Chicago teenager who was murdered in 2013, just one week after performing at Barack Obama’s second inauguration.
Sources suggest that Michelle Obama’s reduced public appearances may be attributed to her desire to distance herself from Washington, D.C. politics rather than any marital discord. However, the couple has not been photographed together in public since December, which has contributed to ongoing speculation about their relationship status.
The Obamas, who married in 1992, have consistently presented themselves as a strong unit throughout their time in the public eye, sharing two daughters, Malia and Sasha. Their recent Valentine’s Day posts appear to be the latest demonstration of their continued commitment to each other, despite the persistent rumors circulating in media circles.
