Divorce rumors have been swirling around Barack and Michelle Obama for a while now. However, on Wednesday, Michelle took the opportunity to not only address these rumors head-on but also shed light on the unrealistic expectations society places on women.

Mother and public figure

On Wednesday, Michelle Obama was a guest on Sophia Bush’s podcast, Work in Progress. About nine minutes into the interview, the former First Lady shared a deeply personal reflection on the changes in her life now that her daughters, Malia (26) and Sasha (23), have moved out.

She revealed that her favorite part of becoming an ”empty nester” is simple yet liberating:

“[Life] is whatever I want, Sophia, It’s whatever I want,” she said with a joyful tone.

“It’s the first time in my life all of my choices are for me.”

For years, Obama has balanced the demanding roles of mother, public figure, and partner, often prioritizing her husband Barack Obama’s career and her children’s needs over her own.

But now, with her family grown and her personal life in a new chapter, she’s reclaiming control.

However, the freedom to make decisions for herself didn’t come easy, particularly as a woman. Obama explained the struggle many women face when it comes to giving themselves permission to prioritize their own needs.

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