Barack and Michelle Obama have put up a brave front for their daughter Sasha's 24th birthday celebration while persistent rumors about their marriage status continue to swirl in the media. The former First Couple appears determined to maintain family unity despite the ongoing speculation.
According to the Daily Mail, Michelle Obama shared a family vacation photo on Instagram with a heartfelt birthday message to Sasha: "Happy birthday to my sweet girl, Sasha! Can't believe how quickly time has flown. I'm so proud of the woman you've become. Love you always!"
The Obamas, who have been married for 32 years, have faced increasing speculation about their relationship in recent months. Michelle directly addressed these rumors during an appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast, firmly stating: "If I were having problems with my husband, everybody would know about it."
Michelle Obama has been vocal about the state of her marriage, refusing to let rumors gain traction without challenge. Her public statements suggest frustration with the ongoing speculation about their relationship.
During a recent podcast appearance, the former First Lady acknowledged that marriage can be difficult but emphasized her commitment to her husband. She described Barack as "her person" and stressed that neither of them was "ever going to quit at it" because that's simply not in their nature.
Michelle's absence from several high-profile events earlier this year, including January's presidential inauguration and former President Jimmy Carter's funeral, only fueled the divorce rumors. The couple has made efforts to counter these claims by being seen together in public, including on recent date nights in New York City and Washington DC.
Adding to the family developments, the Obamas' eldest daughter Malia, 26, has decided to drop her famous surname professionally. She now goes by Malia Ann as she pursues a career in filmmaking.
Michelle has publicly supported her daughter's decision to establish her own identity separate from the family name. She explained that Malia is trying to "carve her own path" and "make her way" in the entertainment industry without relying on her family connections.
While Michelle supports the name change, she revealed that both she and Barack jokingly told their daughter: "They're still going to know it's you, Malia." Malia made her directorial debut with a film titled "The Heart," which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2024.
Michelle has been open about the challenges of transitioning to an "empty nester" lifestyle now that both daughters have moved out. This new phase has prompted her to seek professional support.
"At this phase of my life, I'm in therapy right now because I'm transitioning," Michelle shared on the Jay Shetty Podcast. She explained that at 60 years old, she's entering a new chapter after successfully raising her family, and now finds herself in a position where "every choice that I'm making is completely mine."
The former First Lady described therapy as a "tune-up" for this next life phase, helping her "unwind some old habits" and "sort through some old guilt." She's also focusing on her relationship with her mother during this period of personal growth.
Both Obama daughters appear to be establishing their own identities separate from their famous parents. Michelle has acknowledged their desire for independence is natural and healthy.
During an appearance on Kate and Oliver Hudson's Sibling Revelry podcast, Michelle explained that Sasha and Malia went through a period of "push away" in their teen years and "they're still doing that." She noted that her daughters are "very sensitive" about their privilege and are working hard to prove themselves on their own merits.
The couple's public support of their daughters' independence comes as the family continues to navigate life after the White House. Despite the divorce rumors and name changes, the Obamas appear committed to maintaining their family bonds while allowing each member to forge their own identity and path forward.
