Michelle Obama has made her first public statement since facing whispers of divorce.
The former First Lady got tongues wagging with her recent absences from official events, but she ignored the rumors in a new Instagram video about education.
The speculation began last month when Obama failed to appear at President Jimmy Carter's funeral. It was a conspicuous break from protocol, as former presidents and first ladies usually attend such events.
Obama also was a no-show at President Trump's January 20th inauguration. While it was an obvious snub of the president, it also fed the perception that all is not well in the Obama household.
In her first Instagram video since vanishing from the public eye, Michelle Obama discussed a new partnership between her education initiative Reach Higher and The American School Counselor Association.
"This critical work often gets unnoticed and that's why for so many years I have been working to make sure that they get the shine they deserve" Michelle said in the video.
Obama is also promoting a new self-help book, Overcoming, which she has described as "timely" as many of her own followers cope with Kamala Harris' brutal election loss to President Trump.
Meanwhile, Barack Obama appeared to dismiss the speculation of a rift with a gushing birthday tribute to his wife in January. The post showed the two awkwardly posed on either side of a wide dining table.
"I’m so lucky to be able to take on life's adventures with you. Love you!" President Obama wrote.
The former president also sought to allay suspicions in his response to last week's plane crash in Washington D.C.
"Our hearts break for the families who lost loved ones in the tragic plane and helicopter crash at DCA. Michelle and I send our prayers and condolences to everyone who is mourning today, and we’re grateful to the first responders who are doing everything they can to help under extremely difficult circumstances," he wrote.
Meanwhile, donors for the Obama Presidential Center are reportedly cutting support for the library, which has been tied up in lawsuits.
With the Obama brand having lost its shine, some may be wondering if the changing political winds are having an effect on the marriage.
As of now, the Obamas are not making any public moves to either confirm or deny.
