Overview

• On July 16–17, Barack and Michelle Obama appeared together on Michelle’s IMO podcast to directly refute months of speculation about their marriage.
• Michelle Obama traced the false divorce rumors to her decision to pursue an independent schedule, including skipping the Jimmy Carter funeral and a presidential inauguration.
• Michelle affirmed she never once considered leaving Barack, though both acknowledged facing difficult moments over their 33-year marriage.
• Craig Robinson recounted strangers approaching him in public—such as in Wichita, Kansas—to ask about his sister’s relationship, highlighting the personal toll of the rumors.
• Both credited their partnership with fostering growth, with Michelle saying she has become a better person because of her husband and Barack expressing nostalgia for everyday interactions lost to gossip.