Michelle Obama says she has reached a stage in life where she feels more comfortable living on her own terms. At 61, the former First Lady explained that she no longer feels pressure to meet every public expectation placed on her. Speaking on NPR\u2019s Wild Card podcast with host Rachel Martin, Obama said she is focusing more on authenticity, even when that means skipping events people assume she will attend. Her decision not to attend events such as President Donald Trump\u2019s inauguration or the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter drew public attention and criticism.<\/p>\n
Obama acknowledged the reactions but said she wanted to prioritize her own choices. \u201cLet me define what I want to do, apart from what the world expects of me,\u201d she said, adding that she accepts any backlash that comes with those decisions. Obama also addressed ongoing rumors about trouble in her marriage to former President Barack Obama. She dismissed the speculation, joking that the reason they are not constantly seen together online is simply because they are \u201ctoo old for Instagram.\u201d<\/p>\n
She explained that their lives are not documented every moment on social media, and that people should not assume problems based on a lack of online photos. Reflecting on her earlier years, Obama said her personal ambitions often took a back seat while she balanced raising her daughters and supporting her husband\u2019s political career. As a working mother and First Lady, she focused on family and teamwork rather than pursuing her own goals.
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