Former First Lady Michelle Obama is addressing public speculation surrounding her marriage to former President Barack Obama, offering clarity and perspective during a recent podcast appearance.

Rumors surfaced earlier this year after Barack Obama attended former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral without Michelle, followed by her decision not to attend former President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. Some speculated the couple was facing challenges behind the scenes.

However, in a candid conversation on Sophia Bush’s Work in Progress podcast, Michelle made it clear that her recent decisions to step back from certain public events had nothing to do with her relationship.

“When I say ‘no,’ most people get it. But others can’t imagine that I might just be making choices for myself,” she explained. “Instead, they assume something must be wrong — like my husband and I are splitting up.”

She also reflected on how societal expectations often influence perceptions of women’s choices. “Society doesn’t always allow women to simply act in their own interests. If our decisions don’t fit the narrative people expect, they often assume the worst,” she said.

Michelle’s comments come shortly after Barack Obama acknowledged, during a talk at Hamilton College, that his time in office created challenges in their marriage. “I was in a deep deficit with my wife. I’ve been trying to dig myself out by doing some fun things now and then,” he said, referring to the long hours and stress of the presidency.

The Obamas have long been open about the realities of maintaining a healthy marriage. In a 2023 interview with Revolt TV, Michelle spoke about the hard work behind the scenes. “There were 10 years where I just couldn’t stand him,” she admitted with honesty. “But I’d still take 10 hard years over giving up 30 good ones. It’s all about how you see the bigger picture.”

She explained that the challenges often came from the natural imbalance that can happen when one partner is focused on career while the other manages family life. “That’s when the resentment builds,” Michelle said, adding that many couples can fall into a pattern of misdirected frustration.

Despite public speculation, sources close to the couple affirm that their relationship remains strong. “Michelle simply wasn’t interested in attending the D.C. events. It’s not a marriage issue,” one source told PageSix. “They’re real about the fact that no marriage is perfect, and they’ve never tried to portray theirs as a fairy tale.”

Married for over three decades, Michelle and Barack Obama continue to set an example of honest, enduring partnership. Their willingness to share the highs and lows has resonated with many, highlighting that strong relationships are built on communication, respect, and growth.

Michelle’s recent remarks deliver a timely reminder: making space for personal well-being isn’t a sign of struggle—it’s a sign of strength.