Divorce rumors about Barack and Michelle Obama have been circulating, but Michelle recently addressed them directly on Sophia Bush’s podcast Work in Progress. She shared how becoming an “empty nester” has given her the freedom to make choices for herself for the first time.
“It’s whatever I want,” she said, expressing joy at this new phase of life. Michelle reflected on how, for years, she prioritized her family’s needs over her own, and how women often struggle with putting themselves first.
She pointed out that her recent independence has led to public speculation. “People couldn’t fathom that I was making a choice for myself, so they assumed my husband and I are divorcing,” she said.
Some rumors stemmed from Michelle not attending public events like Trump’s inauguration and Jimmy Carter’s funeral, while Barack did. Additionally, a tabloid claimed actress Jennifer Aniston was involved — which Aniston denied, saying she barely knows Barack and is closer to Michelle.