Michelle Obama, ex-first lady, brushes off divorce rumors: ‘I was making a choice for myself’

Michelle Obama is brushing off whispers of marital trouble, saying that rumors about a divorce from former President Barack Obama are nothing more than public discomfort over an independent woman.

In a new interview on “Work in Progress,” a podcast hosted by actress Sophia Bush, the 61-year-old former first lady said her post-White House chapter has been one of self-realization.

“That’s the thing that we as women struggle with: disappointing people,” she said. “So much so that this year people couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself. That they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”

The remarks come as online chatter continues to swirl about the Obamas’ marriage — a topic both have addressed head-on in recent weeks.

“This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions herself,” Ms. Obama added in the April 8 episode. “It’s the first time in my life all of my choices are for me.”

Married to Mr. Obama since 1992, Ms. Obama pointed out that her roles as first lady and mother to daughters Sasha and Malia often meant deferring to the needs of others.

“I have to make sure the girls are OK, or my husband’s president, so I can’t do that,” she said. “Now, I can’t blame my decisions and indecisions on anyone other than me.”

During an event at Hamilton College on April 3, the former president joked that he was “in a deep deficit with my wife” after two presidential terms.