Michelle Obama shuts down divorce rumours, opens up about past heartbreaks and 32 years of marriage with Barack

Former US First Lady Michelle Obama has addressed the swirling rumours about a potential divorce from her husband of 32 years, former President Barack Obama. Reaffirming their strong bond, Michelle shut down the speculation and instead opened up about the journey that led to their long-lasting marriage, including moments of emotional vulnerability and past heartbreaks.

In her 2022 book The Light We Carry, Michelle revealed that before meeting Barack, she had gone through her fair share of romantic disappointments. She spoke about dating men who were “less sure of themselves and what they wanted” and even described encountering a “player or two”—men who were charming and exciting but lacked commitment. “I had been cheated on and lied to a few times,” she admitted, adding that these early experiences taught her a lot about what she truly valued in a partner.

Michelle went on to explain that what set Barack apart was his clarity and directness. “He was different,” she wrote. “He was clear about what he wanted.” That foundation of openness and honesty became a key part of what has kept their marriage strong through decades of public life, parenting, and challenges.

Touching on how they’ve managed to remain “married and unmiserable” for more than three decades, Michelle emphasized that neither she nor Barack have tried to be everything for each other. “We have never tried to be each other’s ‘everything’ in life,” she said. Instead, they recognize the importance of sharing the emotional and logistical load of life with a broader community of friends and family.

Michelle has often spoken fondly of her husband, even sharing lighthearted moments from their personal life. In a recent episode of the Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce podcast, she joked about their bedtime routine. “My husband teases me about how early I go to bed. He just doesn’t understand,” she laughed, describing her joy in slipping into cool, soft sheets at night.

Through all the ups and downs, Michelle and Barack Obama’s relationship continues to be a testament to communication, mutual respect, and growing together over time.