Michelle Obama Says She 'Couldn't Stand' Husband Barack Obama for a Decade of Their Marriage

Mar. 15, 2025

Michelle Obamais getting candid about the challenges of marriage.

Michelle went on to describe to moderator Angie Martinez — as well as fellow panelistsKelly Rowland,H.E.R.,Winnie HarlowandTina Knowles-Lawson— that the imbalance of their marriage came at a time when her husband’s political career was ascending and she was primarily taking care of their daughters,SashaandMalia.

“And for 10 years while we’re trying to build our careers and, you know, worrying about school and who’s doing what and what, I was like, ‘Ugh, this isn’t even,’ “The Light We Carryauthor said. “And guess what? Marriage isn’t 50/50, ever, ever.”

She continued, “There are times I’m 70, he’s 30. There are times he’s 60, 40, but guess what? 10 years — we’ve been married 30. I would take 10 bad years over 30 — it’s just how you look at it. And people give up . . . ‘Five years; I can’t take it.’ "

Mark Wilson/Getty

The Obamas, who first met in 1989 and married in 1992, have since built on that rocky period, and recently celebrated their 30th anniversary.

In October, the 44th president, 61, shared asweet carousel of memorieson Instagram, including a photo of himself resting his head on Michelle’s shoulder while at the beach, their names engraved in a heart in the sand, and a black-and-white wedding photo.

Affectionately calling his wife “Miche,” he wrote in the caption, “After 30 years, I’m not sure why you look exactly the same and I don’t. I do know that I won the lottery that day—that I couldn’t have asked for a better life partner. Happy anniversary, sweetheart!”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer.

Michelle returned her love for her husband, marking their momentous day on Twitter.

source: people.com