Michelle Obama has spoken out for the first time about rumors that she and her husband, former President Barack Obama, are getting divorced.

In a recent episode of the Work in Progress podcast hosted by actress Sophia Bush, Michelle explained why she missed two major events: President Jimmy Carter’s funeral and President Donald Trump’s inauguration. Her absence led some people to believe that her marriage was in trouble.

Michelle shared that these were personal choices she made for herself and had nothing to do with her relationship. She said people found it hard to believe that she, as a woman, could simply be doing what she wants without it meaning something negative.

“So many people couldn’t believe I was just making decisions for me. They thought something must be wrong in my marriage,” she said.

She pointed out how society often judges women harshly when they choose to do things differently from what’s expected.

Michelle, who turned 61 in January, also talked about how she’s now thinking deeply about how she wants to live the rest of her life. She said she still gives speeches, works on projects, and supports girls’ education.

She also mentioned the Obama Presidential Library, which is being built in Chicago, and said she’s involved in some parts of it but not everything.

“When I say no to some things, most people understand,” she added.

Michelle made it clear that her decisions are about her own happiness and growth — not about problems in her marriage.