Former US first lady Michelle Obama with former US president Barack Obama. ARCHIVE

Former US first lady Michelle Obama has spoken out to quash speculation about her marriage to Barack Obama, clarifying that her recent absence from public events was a conscious decision for self-care—not due to marital discord. In a candid conversation on a podcast hosted by actress Sophia Bush, Michelle said, “I now have the opportunity to control my own calendar... I could have made a lot of these decisions years ago, but I didn’t give myself that freedom.” Rumors had circulated after she missed former president Jimmy Carter’s funeral and Donald Trump’s second inauguration. Many speculated that the absences were linked to a rift with her husband, former president Barack Obama. Michelle explained, “That was me making a choice for myself—not what I had to do, not what I thought other people wanted me to do.” She also spoke about the pressures women face in setting boundaries. “That’s the thing we as women struggle with—disappointing people. So much so that people couldn’t fathom I was making a choice for myself—they assumed my husband and I were divorcing.” Michelle also highlighted her ongoing commitments, including advocacy for girls’ education and the upcoming launch of the Obama Presidential Center. “I still give speeches, work on projects, and continue to support causes I believe in,” she said. Barack Obama recently acknowledged in an interview that his political career had strained their marriage in the past, saying he was “in a deep deficit” and working to “dig out of that hole.” The Obamas, who have been married for 32 years and share two daughters, continue to work on both their public initiatives and personal relationship. Michelle’s new podcast, IMO with Michelle Obama & Craig Robinson, debuted on March 11 and focuses on open conversations about life and connection. ICA/Expat Media
For all the latest news from the UAE and the world, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube page