Michelle Obama
Former First Lady Michelle Obama has candidly addressed the swirling rumors surrounding her recent absence from key political events and speculations about trouble in her marriage to former President Barack Obama.
Speaking during an episode of the Work in Progress podcast hosted by actress Sophia Bush, Michelle opened up about reclaiming control over her personal and professional schedule, emphasizing the importance of making decisions that prioritize her well-being.
In her conversation, the former first lady reflected on the newfound freedom in her life, particularly after raising her children and stepping away from the constant obligations of public service. “I now have the opportunity to control my own calendar and make a choice for myself,” Michelle said, as reported by CNN.
She admitted that for years, she had been putting others before herself and often used her children’s needs as a reason to avoid doing things for her own fulfillment.
“I could have made a lot of these decisions years ago, but I didn’t give myself that freedom,” she explained. “Even as much as I let my kids live their own lives, I used their lives as an excuse for why I couldn’t do something.” Now, with her children grown and more independence in her life, Michelle shared that she has started to evaluate what commitments genuinely align with her needs, even if it means saying no to high-profile engagements.
One such example was her choice to skip President Donald Trump’s second inauguration and the state funeral of former President Jimmy Carter earlier this year. These absences sparked speculation about a possible rift with her husband, leading to widespread divorce rumors.
Michelle addressed these assumptions directly, saying, “That’s the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with — like disappointing people. So much so that this year, people couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself. They had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”
Despite stepping back from the spotlight, Michelle emphasized that she remains actively involved in various initiatives, including advocacy for girls’ education and the upcoming launch of the Obama Presidential Library. “I still find time to give speeches, to be out there in the world, to work on projects,” she said. Her message was clear: her choices reflect a shift toward personal empowerment, not personal turmoil.
