In response to recent divorce rumors, former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama chose Valentine’s Day to share affectionate posts on social media, celebrating their 32-year marital journey. The couple uploaded matching selfies with their foreheads touching.
“You still take my breath away,” wrote 63-year-old Barack Obama to his wife. On her part, 61-year-old Michelle Obama wrote, “If there’s one person I can always count on, it’s you, @BarackObama. You’re my rock. Always have been. Always will be. Happy Valentine’s Day, honey!”
This public expression of love followed weeks of speculation about the health of their marriage. The speculation was fueled by Michelle Obama’s absence from high-profile events, including former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and Inauguration Day events.
The rumors were further fueled by statements from Meghan McCain on her podcast. “I’m not talking about TMZ. I’m not talking about Perez Hilton,” McCain clarified. “I’m talking about like very serious journalists telling me that they’re hearing that the Obama divorce rumors are true.”
Adding to the uncertainty were baseless claims about a supposed relationship between the former president and actress Jennifer Aniston, a rumor that has persisted for over a decade. Aniston has consistently denied these allegations, labeling them as “absolutely untrue.”
Despite not directly addressing the divorce rumors, the Obamas have maintained a united online presence. On January 17, Barack Obama marked Michelle’s birthday with a photo of them holding hands at her birthday dinner, writing, “You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace—and you look good doing it. I’m so lucky to be able to take on life’s adventures with you. Love you!”
Continuing their joint philanthropic efforts, the couple announced plans on January 30 to establish a memorial garden at the Obama Presidential Center in honor of Hadiya Pendleton, a Chicago, Illinois teenager who was tragically killed in 2013, a week after performing at Barack Obama’s second inauguration.
Insiders suggest that Michelle Obama’s decreased public appearances may be due to her wish to stay away from Washington, D.C. politics, not marital discord. Yet, the couple has not been seen together in public since December, fueling further speculation about their relationship status.
Married since 1992, the Obamas, parents to two daughters, Malia and Sasha, have always projected a united front. Their recent Valentine’s Day posts seem to be just another affirmation of their steadfast commitment to each other, regardless of the persistent rumors circulating in the media.