Former US First Lady Michelle Obama has addressed rumors suggesting trouble in her marriage to former President Barack Obama.

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Speculation had been mounting after Mrs. Obama was notably absent from several major events, including Donald Trump's inauguration and the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter.

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Her absence led to widespread assumptions that the couple might be heading for a split.

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Speaking on the Work in Progress podcast hosted by actress Sophia Bush, Michelle Obama did not directly reference these events but made it clear that her schedule is now fully her own.

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As she put it, she’s a "grown woman" who prioritizes where and how she spends her time.

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She explained that after years of public service and constant public appearances, she now values her independence and chooses to engage in activities that nourish her personally and professionally. Michelle emphasized that her decisions are not a reflection of problems in her marriage, but rather a sign of her growth and autonomy.

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"That's the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with like disappointing people," she said.

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"I mean, so much so that this year people couldn't even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.

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"This couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that's what society does to us."

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