Barack and Michelle Obama have once again proven that humour can be a powerful antidote to gossip. The former US president and first lady laughed off ongoing rumours about the state of their marriage during a warm and candid episode of the “IMO” podcast hosted by Michelle and her brother, Craig Robinson.
The couple joined forces on Wednesday’s show, kicking things off with a playful exchange about the speculation that has followed them for much of the past year.
“Wait, you guys like each other?” Craig joked as Barack entered the chat. Without missing a beat, Michelle replied, “Oh yeah, the rumour mill.”
Barack joined the fun, adding with a grin, “She took me back. It was touch and go for a while.”
Craig kept the banter going: “It’s so nice to have you both in the same room together.” Michelle quipped, “I know, ‘cause when we aren’t, folks think we’re divorced.”
Addressing the Rumours With Grace and a Smile
Speculation about their relationship began earlier this year when Barack Obama appeared alone at several high-profile events, including former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and President Donald Trump’s second inauguration. The absence of Michelle at these functions triggered whispers of marital trouble.
But the former first lady has already explained her recent decision to scale back on public appearances. In a previous “IMO” episode aired July 9, she said, “This stage in life for me is the first time that I have been completely free.” With both daughters grown and no longer bound by the expectations of the White House, she said she is finally taking time for herself.
This week, she addressed the speculation head-on.
“There hasn’t been one moment in our marriage where I thought about quittin’ my man,” Michelle said, her voice firm. “We’ve had some really hard times. We’ve had a lot of fun times, a lot of adventures. And I have become a better person because of the man I’m married to.”
Barack sat beside her in quiet agreement, offering no need to correct the record his wife had said it all.
Still Strong After All These Years
Married in 1992, the Obamas have long been admired as one of the most high-profile couples in public life. Their affection for each other continues to play out on social media. On Valentine’s Day, Barack posted a photo of the two with the caption, “Thirty-two years together and you still take my breath away.”
Michelle posted the same photo, writing, “If there’s one person I can always count on, it’s you, @BarackObama. You’re my rock. Always have been. Always will be.”
Their joint appearance this week felt like more than just a podcast moment it was a gentle but firm message to critics, doubters, and tabloids alike: the Obamas are just fine..
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