Michelle Obama breaks silence on skipping Trump inauguration
Former First Lady Michelle Obama denies divorce rumors with her husband, and says she is reevaluating her public appearances.
Michelle Obama may be new to the podcasting sphere, but you’d never know from her guest lineup.
Since launching “IMO” alongside her brother Craig Robinson, the pair have welcomed a star-studded club of comedians, musicians and self-help gurus. But this week’s guest trumped them all: the other Obama.
Former President Barack Obama stopped by to discuss the future of young men and address those enduring rumors about their marriage.
“He made time in his busy schedule to come on,” the former first lady said.
“Wait, you guys like each other?” Robinson quipped.
Post-presidency, rumors have swirled that the former first couple, who have been married since 1992, were on the rocks. They reached a fever pitch in January, when Michelle sat out the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter and later the second inauguration of President Donald Trump.
She later revealed that her decisions, while difficult, had been the result of therapy and learning to say no, and were made entirely separate from Barack.
“The rumor mill,” Michelle Obama joked back at Robinson, adding excitedly, “It’s my husband, y’all!”
“She took me back,” Barack Obama joked, extending the bit. “It was touch and go for a while.”
“It’s so nice to have you both in the same room together,” Robinson said, to which Michelle responded: “I know, ’cause when we aren’t, folks think we’re divorced.”
Robinson went on to share an anecdote about a woman he met in Wichita, Kansas, who asked him about the divorce rumors and was thrilled to find out they were fabricated. Both Obamas appeared tickled by the story, the former president in particular confirming he rarely sees the rumors until someone on his team informs him.
“There hasn’t been one moment in our marriage where I thought about quittin’ my man. And we’ve had some really hard times,” Michelle Obama added. “We have 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.”
“OK, don’t make me cry now,” Barack joked.
“IMO” represents a new chapter for Michelle Obama, who has been vocal about her distaste for politics. On the podcast, she and Robinson answer listener questions and wax poetic about their time growing up in Chicago, the challenges of the White House years and how to face the problems of today.
The podcast host is owning her role as half of one of the most listened to couples in America, and “IMO” brings out a more unfiltered and honest version of her – one that has delighted listeners.
“This stage in life for me is the first time that I have been completely free,”she said during a recent episode.
