Michelle Obama has shared a heartfelt message alongside her husband, Barack Obama, amid swirling rumors about their marriage. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, the former first lady, 61, announced that the Obama Presidential Center would be dedicating a memorial garden in honor of Hadiya Pendleton, a young Chicago student murdered just days after performing at Barack’s second inauguration in 2013.
A tribute to Hadiya Pendleton
Pendleton, an honor roll student and majorette, became a tragic symbol of gun violence when she was fatally shot at age 15. Michelle emphasized the importance of keeping her memory alive, stating, “[Hadiya] had an extraordinary light that will not be forgotten, and Barack and I look forward to honoring her memory.”
In a direct message on the Obama Presidential Center’s website, Michelle referred to Barack as “my husband,” a seemingly deliberate choice of words amid ongoing speculation about their relationship.
Addressing rumors of a split
The couple has faced weeks of rumors suggesting they are living “separate lives.” Speculation heightened when Michelle declined to attend President Trump’s inauguration while Barack was present. Her absence also extended to the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter, citing a “scheduling conflict” while vacationing in Hawaii.
Talk of a potential divorce gained further traction after journalist Tara Palmieri and Meghan McCain publicly claimed they had heard whispers about the Obamas’ marital strain. Additionally, a controversial social media post from Barack celebrating their wedding anniversary raised eyebrows, with some, including Megyn Kelly, criticizing his choice of an “unflattering” photo of Michelle.
Past and present challenges
The Obamas, who married in 1992 after meeting at a Chicago law firm, have openly discussed the struggles of balancing marriage and public life. Michelle has spoken candidly about resentment over putting her career on hold while Barack’s political ambitions flourished. She also reflected on the pressure of life in the White House, where their every move was scrutinized.
Despite these challenges, Barack has consistently maintained that divorce was never an option, emphasizing their deep respect for each other. “Even when things were tough, we never lost basic respect for the other person,” he previously shared. “Michelle is a remarkable woman. Even if she drives me crazy sometimes, I never thought that there was anybody who I would rather be with.”
Looking ahead
As Michelle continues to step back from the public eye following the loss of her mother, Marian Robinson, in May, her recent message suggests a reaffirmation of unity with Barack—at least publicly. The upcoming dedication of Pendleton’s memorial at the Obama Presidential Center serves as a reminder of the causes they continue to champion together.
