Michelle Obama Speaks Out About Her Recent Public Absences – Details

The 61-year-old former First Lady of the United States steps back into the spotlight, offering a rare look at the choices that shaped her recent absence.

In the April 9 episode of "Work in Progress: The Conversation Continues…," hosted by Sophia Bush, Michelle Obama shared how her mindset has shifted since her years in the White House.

Michelle told host Sophia Bush in the April 9 episode, "Man, it is whatever I want, Sophia, it's whatever I want." Netizens responded with mixed reactions to her reflections.

Michelle noted that much of her early adult life revolved around the needs of others. "But it's also a little scary because as a mom and a busy person [...] It was somebody else's excuse. Why didn't I do this? Why haven't I gone there?" she said.

Those roles, she added, often gave her a ready-made reason to decline things she might have wanted to pursue — whether it was a personal ambition, an invitation, or a professional opportunity. Her daughters, Malia and Sasha, and her husband, former U.S. President Barack Obama, were always the priority.

Now that her daughters are adults and her White House chapter is behind her, Michelle said she's fully responsible for her decisions. She reflected that she can no longer point to others — whether her family or public role — as reasons for delaying action.

Looking back, she admitted that many of the choices she's making now could have been made earlier in life, but at the time, she didn't allow herself the freedom to do so.

She described a moment earlier this year when she turned down a commitment in favor of her own well-being.

She explained, "And so now [...] I get to look at my calendar, which I did this year, with a real big example of me myself looking at something that I was supposed to do, you know, without naming names, and 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."

That choice, she added, became a meaningful personal test. It challenged her to act "just as a woman, as an independent person," rather than from a place of guilt. Like many people — especially women — she admitted to often asking herself what she should do or what would be best for everyone else.

She acknowledged that it can feel easier to justify a decision by saying it was what she was "supposed to do," rather than fully owning it as hers.

Reactions to Michelle's answer to the podcast interview were mixed. "So sad," one netizen wrote. A second remarked that choosing to stay home due to illness can quickly lead to rumors, implying that Michelle's absence may have been misinterpreted similarly.

Another commented, "I am a huge fan of the Obamas. But in the case of the Carter funeral, I feel she made the wrong call, unless she was very ill."

In contrast, a different commenter supported her stance, "Yes, make your own decisions!" Another expressed support, stating that Michelle is simply doing what she wants with confidence. An admirer showed approval by saying they were happy for her.

One commenter defended Michelle against criticism, stating that she has always made her own choices and remained firm in them, regardless of public opinion. Another related to her remarks personally, noting that they also made decisions that were best for themselves.

The final commenter said Michelle is "redefining independence," adding that while her actions have stirred public discussion, they reflect strong self-empowerment.

The netizens' reactions and Michelle's revealing podcast interview came three months after her absence from two high-profile events in January 2025.

As reported by CNN on January 10, Michelle was absent from the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter. Her advisers said she was still on an extended holiday vacation in Hawaii and had a scheduling conflict. Barack attended the service.

On January 14, the same publication noted that Michelle skipped the 60th Presidential Inauguration, where Donald Trump took the oath of office. Her office confirmed that she would not attend without offering a reason for her absence.

Barack attended, joining former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton with their wives, Laura and Hillary.

Michelle resurfaced in the public eye nearly two months later, in March. She stepped out in an elegant orange two-piece outfit at an event in Austin, Texas. With her hair styled in neat braids and minimal makeup, she kept her look simple yet sophisticated.

Her return to the public eye quickly sparked online discussions. Some social media users focused on her appearance, speculating about weight loss. "I think she lost weight. Maybe she took Ozampic [sic]. She looks like a skeleton," one commenter noted. Another added, "Very thin." Someone else wrote, "Ozempic doesn't look good on her."

Her appearance continued to stir debate online. "Why people wait to get pass 60 and lose so much weight?" one person asked. Another added bluntly, "Hit that Ozempic."

Despite the criticism, her supporters praised her grace and style. "She looks amazing," one fan wrote. Others admired her confidence, shifting the conversation from speculation to appreciation.

At the event, Michelle was joined by her brother, Craig Robinson. The siblings have teamed up for a new project — a podcast aiming to tackle life's biggest challenges. Just days before her public appearance, Michelle announced the news on Instagram.

In her post, she acknowledged the complexities of today's world, from work and family to aging parents and relationships. This inspired her and Craig to launch "The Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson Podcast" under the IMOPodcasts brand.

"Now, Craig is one of the people I turn to whenever I have anything on my mind," she wrote. "He always has the insights, the wisdom, and the humor to get me through anything."

The podcast promises engaging discussions featuring special guests, expert opinions, and plenty of lighthearted moments. Michelle emphasized that while they may not have all the answers, they hope to create meaningful conversations.

Listeners are encouraged to share their thoughts and questions, with the chance to have them discussed in future episodes. The project adds another chapter to Michelle's evolving public role, shifting focus from politics to personal growth and connection.

We previously reported that Barack was spotted at a Clippers Game without Michelle, igniting a buzz. He attended the Los Angeles Clippers vs. Detroit Pistons game on March 5.

The 63-year-old politician was spotted courtside at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, seated between Clippers owner Steve Ballmer and his wife, Connie Snyder.

At one point during the game, Barack was presented with a personalized Clippers jersey, drawing attention from spectators. Cameras captured the moment as he chatted with Ballmer, fueling online conversations about his solo outing without his wife of 32 years.

One person assumed on Facebook, "They're definitely having problems. She wasn't with him at the inauguration nor at the funeral...something is up." "Maybe she doesn't like sports..geez [sic]," another added.

Sharing personal experiences, one person reflected, "[...] It took me some time to enjoy the simplest things afterward." Another echoed the sentiment, adding, "Let her grieve!!"

One individual expressed empathy for Michelle, "As a woman who lost her mother recently, it is a hard process. Maybe Michelle just needs time to get herself together." Observing the situation, another person remarked, "So he's alone she loss [sic] her mom probably not at her best."

Discussions about the attorney's absence became more nuanced as people reflected on the personal loss she had endured last year.

In June 2024, she shared the news of her mother's passing on X, "My mom Marian Robinson was my rock, always there for whatever I needed. She was the same steady backstop for our entire family, and we are heartbroken to share she passed away today. We wanted to offer some reflections on her remarkable life."

As the couple appeared separately in recent months, rumors of a possible divorce began to circulate. Michelle has since addressed the speculation.

She acknowledged that living with "rumors" about her family has never been easy but shared how she and Barack have learned to move past the negativity.

During a live taping of her new podcast, "IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson," at SXSW on March 13, she addressed how she stays positive in challenging times. Alongside her older brother, Craig Robinson, she spoke about their experiences dealing with speculation and misinformation over the years.

"People always ask me and Barack, how did we stay hopeful in, not just the eight years that we were in the White House, but beyond?" Michelle said. "Because, let me tell you, there was a lot of negative energy flipping our way — a lot of rumors, a lot of gossip."

She emphasized that ignoring social media speculation has been key to maintaining her peace. "You cannot live through social media," she explained. "I don't think I have ever once looked at a comment section, period."

Michelle encouraged listeners to step back from negativity, focus on real conversations, and avoid getting trapped by misinformation online. She stressed the importance of broadening information sources and staying grounded in reality rather than online discourse.

The discussion comes after a wave of online speculation about the Obamas' marriage following Barack's solo attendance at Donald Trump's inauguration.

Comments circulated on social media, with some netizens speculating that the couple was headed for divorce and that perhaps the president was looking for something different.

However, while some people harshly saw the humor in a possible separation and made their dislike for the former first lady clear, others showed their support for Michelle.

Despite the swirling rumors, Barack took to X to share a tribute to his wife on Valentine's Day, painting a different picture of their relationship.

"They are such a beautiful couple! They're both brilliant, respectful, loyal, loving sincere people," one netizen commented. Another shared, "Thank you both Obamas for 8 scandal-free years and a lifetime of relationship goals." A third commenter suggested the photo contradicts recent divorce rumors.