It was touch and go for a while: Obamas break silence on divorce rumours

UPDATED: Jul 17, 2025 00:36 IST

It was a moment of humour, candour, and classic Obama charm as former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama poked fun at the divorce rumours that have swirled around them in recent months.

“She took me back!” Barack said on the “IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson” podcast. “It was touch and go for a while.”

Michelle chimed in without missing a beat: “It’s my husband, y’all.” Michelle’s brother, Craig Robinson, added his own playful jab: “It’s so nice to have you both in the same room together.”

Michelle responded with a smile, “I know, because when we aren’t, folks think we’re divorced.”

For the first time, the Obamas shut down divorce rumors with wit and straight talk, showing their bond remains strong.

Robinson recalled a moment at an airport when a woman approached him with urgency — not about sports, politics, or his famous sister, but about the Obamas’ marriage.

“‘What did he do?’” the woman asked, Robinson said, drawing laughs from the audience.

Barack Obama reflected on how these rumors often pass him by. “These are the kinds of things I just miss,” he said. “I don’t even know this stuff is going on. Then somebody mentions it and I’m like, ‘What are you talking about?’”

Michelle Obama said, “There hasn’t been a single moment in our marriage when I thought about giving up on my man. We’ve been through tough times, but we’ve also had a lot of fun and had some amazing adventures. I’ve become a better person because of the man I married.”

Michelle has earlier addressed rumours about their marriage, including speculation over her absence from Donald Trump’s inauguration.

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