Michelle Obama tackled persistent divorce rumors head-on during the Wednesday, April 9 episode of actor Sophia Bush’s podcast, “Work in Progress,” while simultaneously highlighting the unfair expectations society places on women. Nearly nine minutes into the iLoveRadio podcast, the conversation with the “One Tree Hill” star turned to Obama’s life as an empty nester now that her daughters — 26-year-old Malia and 23-year-old Sasha — have left home.
“[Life] is whatever I want, Sophia. It’s whatever I want,” Obama, 61, responded in a sing-songy, euphoric voice when asked about her favorite part of being an empty nester. “It’s the first time in my life all of my choices are for me.”
The former first lady explained that being both a mother and a public figure had significantly limited her decision-making in the past, as she consistently prioritized her husband’s career and her children’s needs above her own. Now entering a new phase of life, Obama revealed she makes decisions solely based on her own needs and desires — though she admitted that as a woman, she initially struggled to grant herself the “freedom” to act in her own best interest.
Obama noted during the podcast that what she finds fascinating is how most people respond with understanding when she says no, and she feels perfectly fine with it. Her tone notably shifted from friendly to stern as she addressed how her personal choices have been misinterpreted by the public.
Obama’s frustration became evident as she addressed the speculation directly. She reflected on the challenges women often face, saying that there’s a tendency to struggle with the fear of disappointing others. She noted how deeply ingrained this issue can be, sharing that this year, some people couldn’t comprehend her making a personal choice for herself; instead, they assumed she and her husband must be divorcing.
While Obama did not explicitly identify which personal decision sparked the divorce rumors, her absence from two high-profile political events — President Trump’s inauguration and former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral — garnered significant media attention, especially when her husband, former President Barack Obama, attended both events without her.
According to The New York Times, “The gossip about a possible split was fueled by Mrs. Obama’s absence from two major public events in January that her husband attended.” These conspicuous absences led to widespread speculation about the couple’s relationship status.
The rumors escalated to absurd proportions when certain publications began circulating unfounded stories. Vanity Fair reported that a tabloid called In Touch Weekly claimed actor Jennifer Aniston was attempting to steal Barack away from Michelle — an allegation Aniston herself has publicly refuted as completely false.
In response to the persistent rumors, Michelle Obama has made several public gestures affirming her commitment to her marriage of over three decades. On Valentine’s Day earlier this year, she took to Instagram with a heartfelt message: “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! ❤️”
Barack Obama reciprocated with his own Valentine’s Day tribute, writing, “Thirty-two years together and you still take my breath away. Happy Valentine’s Day, @MichelleObama!” The couple’s public displays of affection and mutual support stand in stark contrast to the divorce rumors that have circulated online.
Michelle Obama’s podcast appearance offers insight into the challenges women face when making independent choices. During the conversation with Bush, she emphasized that she now feels empowered to make decisions for herself rather than feeling obligated to attend every event or fulfill every expectation placed upon her as a former first lady.
Sources close to the Obamas have consistently dismissed the divorce rumors as completely unfounded. The speculation appears to be part of a broader pattern of gossip that targets high-profile women when they make independent choices, reinforcing Obama’s point about the unfair standards to which women are often held.
The “Becoming” author’s comments on Bush’s podcast highlight a universal struggle many women face: the tension between personal autonomy and societal expectations. By speaking openly about her decision to prioritize her own needs after decades of putting others first, Obama offers a relatable perspective that resonates with many women at similar life stages.
In previous interviews, Barack Obama has acknowledged the strain his political career placed on their marriage. He once mentioned being in a “deep deficit” with Michelle due to his demanding schedule during his presidency. Despite these challenges, the couple has worked through difficult moments together and maintained their partnership.
Michelle Obama’s decision to skip certain political events appears to be part of her journey toward personal autonomy rather than an indication of marital troubles. As she explained on the podcast, she’s finally at a stage in life where she can make choices based on her own preferences rather than external obligations or expectations.
The conversation with Bush on the “Work in Progress” podcast covered various aspects of Obama’s post-White House life, including her transition to empty-nester status and how she navigates public life on her own terms. Throughout the discussion, she emphasized the importance of women feeling empowered to make decisions that serve their own well-being, even when those choices might disappoint others or fuel unwarranted speculation.
