Barack and Michelle Obama share sweet memories of marriage and raising Malia and Sasha Obama

The love between former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama remains unmistakable. Nearly 33 years into their marriage, the couple sat down together for People’s latest cover story and offered a candid glimpse into the relationship that has weathered political campaigns, the pressures of the presidency, and life in the public eye.

Seated side by side on a couch inside Barack Obama’s office at the new Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side, the couple reflected on their partnership, family life, and the bond that continues to define them. Barack, 64, began with characteristic humility when discussing their marriage. “I don’t know if it’s been an equal partnership,” he admitted to the publication. “But it’s worked out for me pretty well. I’ve gotten more out of it than she has. For her it’s probably more of a mixed bag.”

Michelle, 62, quickly pushed back against her husband’s self-deprecating assessment. “My husband is always thinking about reflecting the light on other people,” she said.

Located in the city where their story began, the Obama Presidential Center carries special meaning for the couple. Chicago is where they met, fell in love, married, and raised daughters Malia, 27, and Sasha, 25, while Barack rose from community organizer to become America’s first Black president.

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As the highly anticipated sprawling campus and presidential library open, Michelle said she has no hesitation in celebrating her husband’s impact. “I am so proud of how my husband showed up in that role, how he shows up every day,” she said.

A Marriage Built Through Ups and Downs

The Obamas have often spoken honestly about the realities of marriage, and this conversation was no exception. Over the years, both have acknowledged that their relationship has experienced challenges, particularly during the demanding years of Barack’s political career and presidency. Yet their willingness to navigate those difficult moments together has become a defining feature of their partnership.

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Their latest interview reveals a couple who remain deeply appreciative of one another while embracing a new season of life. With their daughters grown and their White House years behind them, they are focusing on the projects and causes that continue to shape their legacy.

Looking Back on White House Life

While Barack does not miss many aspects of being president, he admitted there are certain elements of White House life he remembers fondly. “Michelle wanted to make sure that it was the people’s house and as first lady helped open it up in ways that were unprecedented,” he said.

Still, the experience came with limitations. “It is also very confining. I think it was Bill Clinton who called it the crown jewel of the federal penitentiary system,” Barack recalled. “Because for security reasons and all kinds of other reasons, you are confined. It is the bubble inside the bubble.”

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The former president said he does not miss the formalities that came with the office. “Frankly, I don’t miss a lot of the pomp and circumstance. I don’t miss having to wear a tie every day,” he said.

Instead, what he misses most are the people who worked alongside him. “What I miss is the work and the people, who worked so hard, sacrificed so much but somehow kept their sense of humor. There was a sense of camaraderie.”

The White House Was Home

For Michelle, memories of the White House are inseparable from family milestones. “We had a fun White House,” she said. “And it was our home.” The White House became the place where Malia and Sasha spent much of their childhood and teenage years, creating memories that went far beyond official duties and state dinners.

“Our girls lived in the White House longer than they lived in any of the houses because they were so young,” Michelle explained.

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Among her favorite memories are the celebrations that blended family life with public service. “Fourth of July is Malia’s birthday,” she said. “That whole celebration in the backyard, which we usually devoted to military families, was also her birthday party with fireworks and a yard full of people.”

The historic residence also served as the backdrop for some of their daughters’ most important milestones. “Prom happened there, graduation parties,” Michelle recalled.

Some memories carry even deeper emotional significance. The White House was also where Michelle shared precious final moments with her mother, Marian Robinson, who died in 2024. “All the last memories of my mom, who’s no longer here,” she said.

A New Chapter Together

As the Obama Presidential Center opens its doors, the project represents far more than a presidential library. It symbolizes a shared journey that began decades ago in Chicago and continues today.

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The center stands as a reflection of their commitment to community engagement, education, and public service, while also serving as a reminder of the personal story behind one of America’s most recognizable couples.

Nearly ten years after leaving the White House, Barack and Michelle Obama remain each other’s biggest supporters. Their affection is evident not through grand gestures but through mutual respect, admiration, and a partnership that continues to evolve.