Michelle Obama’s New Photos Confirm the Truth About Her Marriage

Michelle Obama was seen flashing her wedding ring while out and about in Los Angeles after addressing rumors that she and husband Barack Obama are headed for divorce.

The former first lady, 61, stepped out on April 20, accompanied by her brother and new podcast co-host Craig Robinson, with her diamond bands clearly on display.

Her appearance came after she addressed growing speculation about her marriage on the April 9 episode of the podcast “Work in Progress,” saying, “They couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”

Dressed in an effortlessly chic olive-toned outfit, she paired a matching cardigan and V-neck sweater with lighter khaki green cargo pants that were cuffed neatly above her ankles.

She completed the ensemble with brown slingback pumps and gold knot earrings, her hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail. In hand, she carried a black Bottega Veneta Small Arco Intrecciato Leather Tote Bag, which retailed for $3,300 at the time of writing.

The look, styled by her longtime fashion collaborator Meredith Koop, was a clear reflection of the former first lady’s evolving post-White House aesthetic — polished, relaxed, and totally in command.

Her public appearance didn’t go unnoticed. One netizen wrote, “They have the most solid marriage. Just leave them be.” Another added, “Michelle is sporting a great look!!”

A third chimed in, “They aren’t getting divorced! Just let this woman do what she wants and not attend events that she doesn’t want to attend.” A fourth remarked, “Why wouldn’t she wear her rings… they are gorgeous!”

While Michelle was clear that people were “assuming” she and Barack were headed for a split, the former first lady has never pretended her marriage was flawless.

Back in 2022, during a roundtable conversation with Revolt TV, she offered a strikingly honest perspective on the challenges she and Barack had faced.

“People think I’m being catty by saying this — it’s like, there were 10 years where I couldn’t stand my husband,” she said. “And guess when it happened? When those kids were little.”

Speaking to moderator Angie Martinez, alongside Kelly Rowland, H.E.R., Winnie Harlow, and Tina Knowles-Lawson, Michelle explained how the imbalance in their relationship grew during a time when Barack’s political career was taking off and she was focused on raising their daughters, Sasha and Malia.

“And for 10 years while we’re trying to build our careers and, you know, worrying about school and who’s doing what and what, I was like, ‘Ugh, this isn’t even,'” she continued.

“And guess what? Marriage isn’t 50/50, ever, ever. There are times I’m 70, he’s 30. There are times he’s 60, 40. But guess what? 10 years — we’ve been married 30. I would take 10 bad years over 30 — it’s just how you look at it. And people give up…’Five years; I can’t take it,'” the former first lady added.

Michelle and Barack met in 1989 and tied the knot in 1992. In the years since, they’ve built not only a family and a legacy, but a remarkably resilient partnership — something their over 30-year marriage underscores.

Their decades-long journey together has shaped Michelle into the woman she is today — one who now speaks openly not only about marriage but also about reclaiming her identity.

In the April 9 episode of “Work in Progress: The Conversation Continues…,” hosted by Sophia Bush, the former first lady shared how her mindset has shifted since her years in the White House.

Michelle told host Sophia, “Man, it is whatever I want, Sophia, it’s whatever I want.” Netizens responded with mixed reactions to her reflections.

Michelle noted that much of her early adult life revolved around the needs of others. “But it’s also a little scary because as a mom and a busy person […] It was somebody else’s excuse. Why didn’t I do this? Why haven’t I gone there?” she said.

Those roles, she added, often gave her a ready-made reason to decline things she might have wanted to pursue — whether it was a personal ambition, an invitation, or a professional opportunity. Her daughters and her husband were always the priority.

Now that her daughters are adults and her White House chapter is behind her, Michelle said she’s fully responsible for her decisions. She reflected that she can no longer point to others — whether her family or public role — as reasons for delaying action.

Looking back, she admitted that many of the choices she’s making now could have been made earlier in life, but at the time, she didn’t allow herself the freedom to do so.

She described a moment earlier this year when she turned down a commitment in favor of her own well-being.

She explained, “And so now […] I get to look at my calendar, which I did this year, with a real big example of me, myself, looking at something that I was supposed to do, you know, without naming names, and I chose to do what was best for me, not what I had to do, not what I thought other people wanted me to do.”

That choice, she added, became a meaningful personal test. It challenged her to act “just as a woman, as an independent person,” rather than from a place of guilt. Like many people — especially women — she admitted to often asking herself what she should do or what would be best for everyone else.

She acknowledged that it can feel easier to justify a decision by saying it was what she was “supposed to do,” rather than fully owning it as hers.

Reactions to Michelle’s answer to the podcast interview were mixed. “So sad,” one netizen wrote. A second remarked that choosing to stay home due to illness can quickly lead to rumors, implying that Michelle’s absence may have been misinterpreted similarly.

Another commented, “I am a huge fan of the Obamas. But in the case of the Carter funeral, I feel she made the wrong call, unless she was very ill.”

In contrast, a different commenter supported her stance, “Yes, make your own decisions!” Another expressed support as well, stating that Michelle is simply doing what she wants with confidence. An admirer showed approval by saying they were happy for her.

One commenter defended Michelle against criticism, stating that she has always made her own choices and remained firm in them, regardless of public opinion. Another related to her remarks personally, noting that they also made decisions that were best for themselves.

A final commenter said Michelle is “redefining independence,” adding that while her actions have stirred public discussion, they reflect strong self-empowerment.

The netizens’ reactions and Michelle’s revealing podcast interview came three months after her absence from two high-profile events in January 2025.

As reported by CNN on January 10, Michelle was absent from the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter. Her advisers said she was still on an extended holiday vacation in Hawaii and had a scheduling conflict. Barack attended the service.

On January 14, the same publication noted that Michelle skipped the 60th Presidential Inauguration, where Donald Trump took the oath of office. Her office confirmed that she would not attend without offering a reason for her absence.

Barack attended, joining former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton with their wives, Laura and Hillary.

Michelle resurfaced in the public eye nearly two months later, in March. She stepped out in an elegant orange two-piece outfit at an event in Austin, Texas. With her hair styled in neat braids and minimal makeup, she kept her look simple yet sophisticated.

Her appearance continued to stir debate online. “Why people wait to get pass 60 and lose so much weight?” one person asked. Another added bluntly, “Hit that Ozempic.”

Despite the criticism, her supporters praised her grace and style. “She looks amazing,” one fan wrote. Others admired her confidence, shifting the conversation from speculation to appreciation.

At the event, Michelle was joined by her brother. The siblings teamed up for their podcast, which aimed to tackle life’s biggest challenges. Just days before her public appearance, Michelle announced the news on Instagram.

In her post, she acknowledged the complexities of today’s world, from work and family to aging parents and relationships. This inspired her and Craig to launch “The Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson Podcast” under the IMOPodcasts brand.

“Now, Craig is one of the people I turn to whenever I have anything on my mind,” she wrote. “He always has the insights, the wisdom, and the humor to get me through anything.”

The podcast promises engaging discussions featuring special guests, expert opinions, and plenty of lighthearted moments. Michelle emphasized that while they may not have all the answers, they hope to create meaningful conversations.

Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts and questions, with the chance to have them discussed in future episodes. The project adds another chapter to Michelle Obama’s evolving public role, shifting focus from politics to personal growth and connection.