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Amid swirling speculation about trouble in Washington’s most prominent political marriage, former President Barack Obama took to Instagram on Friday to celebrate Michelle Obama’s 61st birthday with an affectionate tribute. Sharing an intimate photo of the couple dining together, he praised his wife’s presence and character, expressing his gratitude for sharing life’s journey with her.
The timing of this public display of affection coincides with growing whispers about potential marital discord, sparked initially by Michelle’s notable absence from Jimmy Carter’s funeral on January 9 and further fueled by news that she would skip Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration.
🤡Michelle Obama ‘checked out’ of DC life with Barack, as couple try to quiet marriage rumors: sources
“They don’t pretend that they have this Camelot relationship,” said a source of the Obamas. “They’re not trying to present that they’re this magical couple.” pic.twitter.com/ZLala8f5Qr— JennyJenny8675309 (@JennyJenny1958) January 18, 2025
Those familiar with the former first lady’s independent nature weren’t surprised by these decisions. An insider who previously worked with the Obamas explained that Michelle’s autonomy is absolute, referencing her reluctance to campaign for Joe Biden during the previous election cycle.
Her absence from Carter’s funeral, where other former first ladies gathered with their spouses, raised eyebrows despite CNN’s explanation that she was vacationing in Hawaii. Social media buzzed with speculation, particularly after Barack was seen sharing light moments with Trump at the funeral service, reportedly causing Michelle’s displeasure according to DC social circles.
The Obamas, parents to Malia, 26, and Sasha, 23, have consistently presented their marriage with refreshing honesty. Sources close to the couple emphasize that they’ve never portrayed their relationship as perfect. Since leaving the White House in 2017, Michelle has notably distanced herself from Washington’s political scene, preferring to spend time at their Martha’s Vineyard estate rather than their $8.1 million DC residence.
The couple’s last public appearance together was at Los Angeles’s Mother Wolf restaurant in December, though Michelle was also seen enjoying a separate evening out with Rita Wilson. Before that, they shared the stage at Chicago’s Democratic National Convention in August.
Throughout their relationship, Michelle has been candid about marriage challenges. Barack’s 2020 memoir, “A Promised Land,” revealed her frustration during his Senate years, quoting her saying: “This isn’t what I signed up for, Barack. I feel like I’m doing it all by myself.”
In a particularly revealing 2022 panel discussion, Michelle admitted to a decade-long period of marital strain, stating, “People think I’m being catty — it’s like, there were ten years where I couldn’t stand my husband.”
Jennifer Aniston got a kick out of a tabloid story claiming the actress and former President Barack Obama had a romantic affair – which she very much denied.
Read more: https://t.co/2swd7ssbTJ pic.twitter.com/KpvETOHR7m
— TheWrap (@TheWrap) October 3, 2024
The couple has weathered various challenges, including infidelity rumors. Last October, Jennifer Aniston publicly refuted claims of involvement with Barack, stating, “I’ve met him once. I know Michelle more than him.”
A 2017 biography by David Garrow revealed that Barack maintained contact with ex-girlfriend Sheila Miyoshi Jager during his early relationship with Michelle, with Jager expressing remorse: “I always felt bad about it.”
As speculation continues, insiders suggest Michelle’s absence from Trump’s inauguration aligns with her established pattern of selective public appearances. Those close to the situation note that while Barack respects the protocols of his former office, Michelle maintains her independence in choosing her engagements.
Whether the birthday tribute will quiet the rumors remains uncertain, though it’s certainly become a topic of discussion in Washington’s elite circles.
