Former United States of America First Lady Michelle Obama has dismissed rumours that she and former President Barack Obama have divorced.
Speculation of their separation had been rife after the former First Lady was rarely seen in public with Obama, as in the past. Michelle was notably absent during President Donald Trump's inauguration, despite Obama’s attendance.
She was also absent from the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, which further fuelled the allegations.
While speaking during the 'Work in Progress' podcast, Michelle revealed that she is now in a position to control her own calendar as a "grown woman".
According to Michelle, her stepping back from active involvement with her husband was misinterpreted by the public who assumed her absence for divorce.
"That's the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with like disappointing people. I mean, so much so that this year people couldn't even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing,'' the former first lady revealed.
Michelle argued that such speculations were some of the challenges women face when society perceives them as vulnerable to making their own choices.
"This couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that's what society does to us," she continued.
Michelle and Barack have been married for 32 years, in a marriage that has been admired by many.
Barack, with Kenyan roots, has often praised his wife for staying by his side through thick and thin.
"Thirty-two years together and you still take my breath away," Obama wrote on his X account while celebrating their anniversary in October.
The two were married in 1992, and despite their seemingly perfect relationship, Michelle has openly discussed the difficulties they faced, particularly during Barack’s presidency. However, over the years, they have been attending counseling, which has strengthened their marriage.
