According to reports by Fox News, former U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama has sparked fresh speculation about her marriage to former President Barack Obama after candidly reflecting on family, public perceptions, and her relationship with her husband in a series of recent podcast appearances.
Speaking on her own podcast IMOwhich she co-hosts with her brother, Craig Robinson Michelle, 61, remarked that she was “glad” she didn’t have a son because “he would have been a Barack Obama.” The comment, which was made during an episode aired on Wednesday, raised eyebrows as the couple continues to deny persistent rumors that their 33-year marriage is under strain.
Radio host Angie Martinez, a guest on the show, had responded enthusiastically, saying, “Baby Barack. It would have been amazing.” But Michelle countered: “No, I would’ve felt for him,” suggesting the challenges of living up to the former president’s legacy.
The Obamas, who married in 1992 and share two daughters Malia, 26, and Sasha, 24 have faced ongoing speculation about their relationship in recent months. Barack has attended several high-profile events, including former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and Donald Trump’s inauguration, without Michelle. Most recently, the former First Lady was seen vacationing in Mallorca, Spain, alongside close family friends, including former U.S. ambassador to Spain James Costos and White House decorator Michael Smith again without Barack.
While the absence of the former president during her European getaway has reignited gossip, Michelle has directly addressed the rumors in several interviews. Speaking on The Diary of a CEO podcast in May, she stated firmly, “If I were having problems with my husband, everybody would know about it.” She has also publicly praised Barack as a devoted father and partner, highlighting his commitment to their daughters, even during his presidency.
Nonetheless, her recent comments, including a veiled jab at Barack’s passion for golf saying fly fishing would be a “better” pursuit have fueled further intrigue. “It’s elegance,” she said of fly fishing. “Not dunk and drop and grab… Better than golfing.”
Appearing on The Jay Shetty Podcast, Michelle acknowledged that marriage can be hard but emphasized her commitment to their partnership. “I wouldn’t trade it,” she said. “As the young people say… he’s my person.” She added, “Neither one of us was ever really going to quit at it, because that’s not who we are.”
Earlier this year, she pushed back against divorce rumors during an interview with actress Sophia Bush, explaining that society often struggles with the idea of a woman making independent choices. “They couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself… so they assumed my husband and I are divorcing,” she said.
In her latest public appearances, Michelle also expressed her preference not to be called “Mrs. Obama.” On the Las Culturistas podcast, she told hosts Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang, “We cannot have a real conversation if you’re saying ‘Mrs. Obama’ that’s too many syllables.” She said the formality “changes the dynamic,” adding, “I’m Michelle.”
Meanwhile, their daughter Malia is also carving out her own identity, having dropped the Obama surname professionally and now going by Malia Ann as she pursues a career in filmmaking. Michelle has voiced support for her daughter’s decision, saying she wants Malia to “make her own way.”