Barack and Michelle Obama tackle divorce rumors in a candid podcast appearance, sharing moments of humor and heartfelt honesty about their 30-year marriage.
‘Don’t Make Me Cry’: Barack and Michelle Obama Address Divorce Rumors
Barack and Michelle Obama have once again addressed persistent rumors surrounding the state of their marriage, tackling the speculation with humor and sincerity during a rare joint podcast appearance. On July 16, 2025, Barack joined Michelle and her brother, Craig Robinson, on the podcast IMO with Michelle and Craig, where they discussed everything from the challenges of parenting in the digital age to the meaning of masculinity. But it was their lighthearted exchange about their relationship that quickly became the highlight of the episode.
The conversation began with a bit of playful banter. As Barack entered the room, Craig feigned surprise and jokingly asked, “Wait, you guys like each other?” Michelle, quick on her feet, responded with a smile, “That’s the rumor mill. It’s my husband, y’all!” Barack added, “She took me back,” prompting Michelle to quip, “Now, don’t start.” Craig also noted how nice it was to see them together, to which Michelle joked, “When we’re not in a room together, folks think we’re divorced.”
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The lighthearted moment set the tone for a podcast that balanced humor with moments of deep reflection. Craig shared a story about a woman in Wichita, Kansas, who approached him for a photo and then asked, “What did Barack do?” implying that Barack must have messed up. Michelle found the anecdote hilarious, while Barack explained that rumors often escalate before he’s even aware of them. Craig admitted he often played along with these stories just to later share them with the couple.
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The tone shifted when Michelle addressed the divorce rumors directly. She shared that, despite the challenges every couple faces, her commitment to Barack has never wavered. “There hasn’t been one moment in our marriage where I thought about quitting my man,” Michelle said, adding, “And we’ve had some really hard times. But we’ve also had a lot of fun times, a lot of adventures. And I’ve become a better person because of the man I’m married to.”
Her words clearly moved Barack, who was visibly choked up and jokingly said, “Okay, don’t — don’t make me cry now. Right at the beginning of the show. Don’t — don’t make me start tearing up now.” Michelle, ever the quick-witted partner, responded, “Welcome to IMO. Get you all teared up.”
The couple continued discussing their life together, including the evolution of manhood, parenting, and the importance of emotional intelligence. Barack shared reflections on growing up without a father and how the meaning of being a man has changed over the years. Michelle also opened up about the balance they strike in their household, from their contrasting sleep schedules to their playful thermostat battles.
In a revealing moment, Michelle shared a fun detail about their family dynamics: “We have a deal, Barack and I in our marriage. I can tease you, but you cannot tease me,” she said, with Barack admitting that while he enjoys playful banter, he rarely wins, especially when it comes to their daughters, Malia and Sasha, who often team up to tease him.
The podcast also gave a glimpse into the early days of their relationship, with Michelle’s brother, Craig, admitting that he didn’t think their romance would last. It wasn’t until a basketball game that Craig began to see Barack in a new light. Barack’s teamwork and humility during the game helped him win over Michelle’s family.
The Obamas have been married for more than thirty years, and their relationship has been one of mutual respect, humor, and strength. While their public life often invites speculation, the couple’s ability to laugh together and address challenges with honesty remains at the heart of their enduring partnership.
