Amid growing speculation about potential marital strain between Michelle and Barack Obama, the former first lady has candidly spoken about embracing independence and personal growth in her 60s. Her remarks came during a recent appearance on Amy Poehler’s podcast Good Hang, where she reflected on life beyond the White House and the pressures of public service.
When asked by Poehler what she’s currently focused on now that she’s no longer in public office, Michelle replied, “I want to try to do normal things… I want to feel like I’m by myself,” as reported by RadarOnline.com.
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The 61-year-old continued, revealing she has started “driving a little bit more by myself… in the car by myself,” enjoying simple moments of solitude that were impossible during her time as First Lady from 2009 to 2017.
Reflecting on her years in the White House, Michelle shared how intensely demanding those eight years were for both her and her husband. “As First Lady… the eight years, even beyond, the stakes were so high. And Barack and I, our team, we felt like we didn’t have room to get anything wrong,” she said.
Now, she feels a newfound freedom to be imperfect. “And in this podcast, I can be loose. I can stutter. I can misspeak sometimes, even though I’m sure that will make the news. I just feel like there’s room to breathe,” she explained. “And maybe some of that is my age. Maybe some of that is that now that I’m in my 60s, what more do I have to prove?”
Michelle also spoke openly about seeking therapy during this transitional phase of her life. “At this phase of my life, I’m in therapy right now because I’m transitioning, you know? I’m 61 years old, I finished a really hard thing in life with my family intact,” she said.
With daughters Sasha, 23, and Malia, 26, now grown, Michelle added, “I now don’t have the excuse of, ‘Well my kids need this,’ or ‘my husband needs that’ or ‘the country needs that.’ So, how do I think about this next phase, and let me get some help.”
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According to Hollywood insider Rob Shuter, Michelle isn’t going through this journey alone—Barack is also participating in therapy. “They love each other deeply, but marriage is work. They’re committed to doing that work – even now,” he said.
“Barack’s always been comfortable with distance, and Michelle’s always been about presence. That dynamic hasn’t changed, even all these years later,” Shuter noted. Despite rumors, the couple’s commitment to growth and emotional well-being remains steadfast.
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