Michelle Obama has responded to speculation about the state of her marriage to former President Barack Obama, following her absence from several public events. The former First Lady did not attend high-profile occasions such as Donald Trump’s inauguration and the memorial service for former President Jimmy Carter alongside her husband, prompting rumours of a possible separation between the couple.

While she did not refer to these specific events directly, Mrs Obama addressed the speculation during an episode of the Work in Progress podcast hosted by actress Sophia Bush. She explained that she now has more control over her personal and professional schedule. "I'm a grown woman," she said. "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. This couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that's what society does to us."

Mrs Obama also acknowledged the internal conflict she felt when stepping away from some public duties, sharing that she had experienced guilt. However, she emphasised the importance of prioritising her own needs: "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."

Her decision not to attend Trump's inauguration in 2017 was widely noted as a break from traditional expectations for former First Ladies. Despite stepping back from some public-facing roles, she reaffirmed her continued engagement in causes close to her heart.

"I still find time to give speeches, to be out there in the world, to work on projects. I still care about girls’ education," she said.

The Obamas marked their 32nd wedding anniversary in October 2023. In her 2018 memoir Becoming, she candidly discussed the challenges their relationship faced, particularly during her husband's political career and presidency.

Since she and her husband left the White House, Mrs Obama has remained an influential public figure. Her memoir Becoming became a global bestseller, and her 2022 follow-up book, The Light We Carry, also received wide acclaim.

She and Barack Obama co-founded Higher Ground Productions, which produces content across platforms, including Netflix, with a focus on storytelling that elevates underrepresented voices.

Despite repeated public statements to the contrary, she has frequently been the subject of speculation about a possible presidential run. In 2024, as the Democratic Party prepared for a contentious election cycle, there was renewed buzz suggesting she could step in as a candidate if President Joe Biden were to withdraw from the race. However, she has consistently denied any interest in running for elected office.

In a statement to NBC News in March 2024, her office reiterated: “As former First Lady Michelle Obama has expressed several times over the years, she will not be running for president.”

Political analysts have noted that her high approval ratings and wide public appeal make her an attractive figure in theory, but she has repeatedly emphasised her desire to live a more private life focused on advocacy, writing, and family.