Michelle Obama directly addressed speculation about potential marital problems with former President Barack Obama during her recent appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast.

The former first lady worked to dispel rumors of a rift by emphasizing that her decisions to withdraw from certain public appearances were expressions of personal choice rather than signs of an unstable marriage, as People reports.

Rumors regarding the state of the Obama marriage gained traction following Michelle's absence from notable events such as the funeral of President Jimmy Carter and President Donald Trump's second inauguration, which saw Barack attending alone.

Speculation naturally followed, suggesting that these gaps in Michelle's schedule could point to discord with her husband. On May 1, Michelle took to the podcast to clarify these misunderstandings and to address the rumors head-on.

She explained her decision was based on personal priorities, stating there was no danger of her marriage ending in divorce. Now aged 61, Michelle emphasized feeling increasingly empowered to make decisions that prioritize her own peace and family needs. "I feel like now I have permission to do what I want to do," she expressed, setting the tone for her stance on individual agency.

Michelle Obama’s new approach to life

Delving deeper into her reasoning, Michelle pointed out that in the past, she often felt compelled to conform to societal expectations.

This came with the territory of being in the public eye and serving as an example during her tenure as first lady. However, her recent decisions mark a shift: a newfound embrace of self-care and independent choice.

Michelle emphasized that her personal peace guided her decision not to attend the aforementioned events. She hinted that the strength of her partnership with Barack lies in mutual determination to preserve their relationship. She remarked, "The beauty of my husband and our partnership is that neither one of us was ever gonna quit at it."

In a world quick to jump to conclusions, Michelle found that many people interpreted her absence at these significant events solely as a signal of marital turbulence.

This misconception ignored her personal context and choices. She stated, "People couldn't believe that I was saying no for any other reason."

Promoting concept of self-care

This approach not only reflects Michelle's personal evolution but also her desire to offer an example for her daughters and others. As a mother, she wants Malia and Sasha, aged 26 and 23 respectively, as well as other young women, to understand the importance of saying no and prioritizing self-care when necessary.

"I want our daughters, I want the young women out there," she said, underscoring the lessons she wishes to impart, "to start practicing different strategies for saying no." Michelle further explained how her own life experiences can serve as a roadmap for those struggling with asserting independence within public or private spheres.

According to Michelle, her actions were not born out of marital issues but out of a desire to pivot from lifelong habits of “box-checking,” where she constantly aimed to do the right thing by societal standards. "What do I want to do in this moment?" she asked, vocalizing the internal dialogue that now guides her decisions.

Personal peace over public expectation

For Michelle, peace and family remain at the forefront of her priorities as she continues to navigate life after the White House. At 61, she feels entitled to lean on her wisdom instead of yielding to external pressures or maintaining appearances that no longer serve her personal well-being.

Her recent omission from events that other political figures might deem essential should not be misconstrued as neglect or rebellion. The former first lady stressed that these choices are consistent with her core values and are congruent with the lessons she hopes her daughters will internalize.

Her podcast appearance served as a platform not only to quell rumors but to emphasize the importance of self-awareness and individual agency. Michelle says she aims to encourage young women, including her daughters, to cultivate a similar mindset—one that honors their personal desires and challenges societal expectations when necessary.

This straightforward confrontation of media speculation delineates Michelle's stance. It marks a transition reflective of her holistic growth -- and offers a call to action for others to consider the value of self-preservation over public perception.

The calming assurance that Michelle offered with regard to her marriage with Barack aims to assure the public that while they remain fixtures in the public domain, their relationship will continue to endure the interpretations and narratives projected upon it. Michelle Obama's story extends beyond marital status, highlighting instead her journey toward autonomy in every facet of her life.