Former First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated former President Barack Obama’s 64th birthday on social media, calling him ‘the coolest guy I know,’ after the longtime couple jokingly addressed ongoing divorce rumors. The post, shared on Instagram and Facebook, came following months of speculation about their marital status, with the couple humorously refuting the rumors during a July podcast. Michelle Obama joked that people assume they’re divorced when they aren’t together, while Barack Obama quipped that he was ‘touch and go’ for a while. The comments followed Michelle’s previous dismissals of the rumors, including during a 2024 interview where she discussed her decision to skip high-profile events such as President Donald Trump’s inauguration and President Jimmy Carter’s funeral.
The couple’s light-hearted approach to the speculation came after months of media and public speculation about their relationship. Michelle had previously addressed the rumors in April, telling podcast host Sophia Bush that people often assume her decisions are tied to her marriage. She said, ‘But the interesting thing is that when I say no, for the most part, people are like, I get it, and I’m OK,’ right? She noted that society often assumes women’s choices are linked to their relationships, adding, ‘If it doesn’t fit into the sort of stereotype of what people think we should do, then it gets labeled as something negative and horrible.’ The couple’s public stance was further reinforced during their July podcast, where Michelle joked, ‘When we aren’t (in the same room), folks think we’re divorced,’ and Barack quipped, ‘It was touch and go for a while.’ Fox News Digital reached out to Michelle Obama’s office for additional comment but did not receive a reply.
While the couple’s comments were lighthearted, they highlighted the ongoing public interest in their personal lives and the broader societal expectations around marriage and women’s autonomy. Michelle Obama’s comments on social media, shared on both Instagram and Facebook, underscored her continued presence in public discourse, particularly as she remains more active than former First Lady Laura Bush. The couple’s ability to navigate media scrutiny with humor reflects their enduring public appeal and the couple’s resilience in the face of persistent speculation. Their birthday celebration not only reaffirmed their bond but also provided a moment of levity in an otherwise tense public narrative.
Michelle Obama’s decision to step away from the public spotlight in recent months has drawn attention, as she has not appeared at major events such as Trump’s inauguration or Carter’s funeral. However, her continued engagement through social media and podcasts has kept her in the public eye, allowing her to address these rumors directly while maintaining a sense of control over her narrative. The couple’s ability to use humor to deflect media and public speculation underscores their strategic communication and the importance of maintaining a positive public image in the face of adversity. Their birthday celebration served as a reminder of their enduring partnership and the strength of their relationship, despite the ongoing media focus on their private lives.