Speaking candidly on the Work in Progress podcast hosted by actress Sophia Bush, the former First Lady addressed why her absence from certain high-profile events—including Donald Trump’s inauguration and the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter—sparked whispers of a possible split from her husband of 32 years.

Without directly naming the events or explicitly denying the divorce speculation, Mrs Obama dismissed the narrative, saying: “This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that’s what society does to us.”

She reflected on the public’s reaction to her stepping back from some traditional roles, saying it revealed a broader issue about expectations placed on women.

“People couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself—they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”

Mrs Obama, who has continued to speak at major events like the Democratic National Convention and remains engaged in advocacy, including girls’ education, explained that she’s simply choosing what’s best for her.

“I chose to do what was best for me. Not what I had to do. Not what I thought other people wanted me to do,” she said.

The Obamas, who marked their 32nd wedding anniversary in October last year, have long been admired for their relationship.

In her memoir Becoming, Mrs Obama has previously acknowledged the challenges they faced, particularly during their time in the White House.

Michelle Obama has dismissed swirling rumours of a rift in her marriage to former President Barack Obama, attributing the speculation to society’s discomfort with women making independent choices.