Amid swirling rumors over recent months about the state of their marriage, former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have jointly addressed the speculation for the first time in a candid and lighthearted podcast episode. The couple, married for over three decades, used Michelle’s podcast “IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” to dismiss divorce rumors, showcasing their unity and mutual respect.
Playful Denial on the Podcast
During the episode released in mid-July 2025, Barack Obama made a rare public statement regarding the persistent gossip by joking, “She took me back! It was touch and go for a while.” Michelle immediately chimed in, cautioning, “Now don’t start.” Their natural camaraderie and humor helped soften the seriousness of the rumors and emphasized the strength of their relationship.
Craig Robinson, Michelle’s brother and co-host, remarked on how uncommon it was to see the couple together and teased whether they even liked each other. Michelle responded with a knowing smile, “I know because when we aren’t, folks think we’re divorced.” This playful exchange highlighted how public perceptions often misinterpret their private lives, especially when they are not frequently seen together.
Unpacking the Rumors
The speculation about the Obamas’ marriage intensified earlier in 2025, notably when Michelle Obama was absent from several high-profile events such as the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and Donald Trump’s inauguration. Observers misread these absences as signs of discord, but Michelle explained that her choices were personal and not indicative of marital trouble. She expressed frustration that her decisions were often met with unfounded scorn and assumptions.
Barack Obama shared that he often remains unaware of such rumors until people bring them to his attention. He remarked with surprise when learning about the extent of the gossip, saying, “These are the kinds of things I just miss… then somebody will bring it up to me and I’m like, what are you talking about?”.
Michelle’s Affirmation of Their Bond
Michelle Obama delivered a heartfelt affirmation of their marriage, stating that she has never once considered leaving Barack during the many years they’ve been together. She acknowledged that, like any couple, they’ve had their “really hard times,” but also many joyful moments and adventures. Michelle credited her husband with helping her grow into a better person.
Public Perception vs. Reality
Despite rarely appearing publicly as a couple lately, the Obamas have occasionally shared moments on social media to mark anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays. Their public visibility patterns have shifted as both pursue individual endeavors post-White House years, further fueling speculation. However, their recent joint podcast appearance and mutual declarations put those rumors to rest.
Their marriage, spanning over 32 years since their 1992 wedding, remains strong, buoyed by shared history, resilience, and affection that the couple continues to emphasize publicly.
In summary
Barack and Michelle Obama have directly and humorously refuted divorce rumors through an open conversation on Michelle’s podcast, reaffirming a committed and affectionate partnership despite public speculation based on their less frequent joint appearances. They demonstrate how media narratives can stray far from private realities, especially for public figures navigating life after the presidency.