Former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama addressed ongoing divorce rumors on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, during a joint appearance on Michelle’s podcast “IMO.” The couple utilized humor to dispel months of speculation about their 33-year marriage, which had arisen after Michelle’s absence from several significant events earlier this year.
Speculation intensified when Michelle did not attend President Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20 and former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral on January 9. Her absence was notable as other living presidents and their spouses participated in both events.
In the podcast, Michelle introduced Barack as her guest. Her brother and co-host, Craig Robinson, joked about having them both present. Michelle replied: “I know, because when we aren’t, folks think we’re divorced.”
Barack addressed the rumors humorously, saying: “She took me back! It was touch and go for a while.” The 63-year-old former president noted that he often remains unaware of such rumors until informed by others.
Michelle, 61, provided a strong response to the rumors, stating: “There hasn’t been one moment in our marriage where I’ve thought about quitting on my man.” She acknowledged challenges and joys in their marriage and credited her husband for her personal growth.
The rumors gained momentum in January when conservative commentator Meghan McCain mentioned on her podcast having heard from journalists that the divorce rumors were true. Speculation increased when Michelle skipped Carter’s funeral, where she would have sat next to Donald Trump. CNN reported she had scheduling conflicts and stayed in Hawaii.
Robinson recounted how the rumors affected him, describing an experience at an airport in Wichita, Kansas, where a woman asked him about Barack Obama: “What did he do?” Robinson reassured her that everything was okay between the Obamas, and she expressed relief.
Michelle has addressed the speculation about her independence several times this year. In April, she explained on the “Work in Progress” podcast that when she declines invitations, it often leads to assumptions about her marriage, as people struggle to understand her choice for herself.
In another April podcast with actress Taraji P. Henson, Michelle reflected on the criticism she faced for skipping the inauguration and making personal choices. She noted that people couldn’t fathom her saying no for reasons unrelated to her marriage.
The former first lady emphasized her desire to live intentionally after eight years in the White House. She explained that she now prioritizes her desires over external expectations, reflecting a shift from past obligations.
The Obamas married in 1992 in Chicago, Illinois, where they met as lawyers. They have two daughters, Malia, 27, and Sasha, 24. Michelle has discussed their relationship in her bestselling books “Becoming” and “The Light We Carry.” In a 2023 CBS interview, she acknowledged that marriage is challenging after 30 years.
Wednesday’s podcast marked Barack’s first appearance on Michelle’s current show, which began in March. The couple previously appeared together on her first podcast in September 2020. Besides addressing marriage rumors, they discussed supporting young men and boys, with Barack expressing concern about inadequate investment in male youth development.
The couple maintains their public relationship through social media. Barack posted a Valentine’s Day tribute to Michelle on Instagram, noting that she still takes his breath away after more than three decades of marriage. Their joint podcast appearance was their most direct response to ongoing speculation.
The rumors reached a point where people frequently approached Robinson to inquire about his sister’s marriage. The Obamas used the podcast platform to clarify the situation, employing humor and sincerity to highlight their commitment despite experiencing both challenges and enjoyable moments.
Michelle has become more selective about public engagements since leaving the White House, attending events that align with her interests and schedule. Her absence from traditional political events led to assumptions about her marriage, but she has consistently emphasized that her choices reflect a desire for independence.
The podcast episode focused mainly on parenting young men, but the initial discussion on marriage allowed the Obamas to address widespread rumors directly. Their candid conversation illustrated their ability to handle rumors while reaffirming their enduring partnership.