Amid divorce rumors surrounding former U.S. President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle that have spread since early this year, Michelle dismissed the speculation.
According to CNN on the 9th (local time), Michelle said in a podcast released that day, “People don’t understand the decisions I make and jump to the conclusion that I’ve divorced my husband.”
This follows former President Obama attending the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and the inauguration of President Donald Trump alone in January.
However, Michelle has drawn a clear line, stating that her absence from the two events has nothing to do with their marital relationship.
She explained that she currently manages her schedule independently. In the past, when her schedule overlapped with former President Obama’s, she would join him, but now she makes her own choices.
Michelle noted, “I could have made such decisions years ago, but I didn’t choose freely. Now I select what’s best for me, not what others want me to do.
However, she mentioned the Obama library, which is set to be completed next year, adding that she continues to engage in public activities such as speeches and remains consistently attentive to women's education issues.
While there are instances where she has different schedules from her husband, it does not mean she has stopped her public activities as a former president's spouse.
During last year's presidential election, Michelle actively participated in campaigning for former Vice President Kamala Harris, giving speeches in support of the Democratic campaign.
The Obamas have maintained their marriage for 32 years.
Previously, Michelle revealed in her 2018 memoir "Becoming" that she felt loneliness and was in a state of exhaustion during her time in the White House.