The lawyer-turned-mother-turned-president’s wife leads a life rich with complexities. She is far from a regular individual, from her lower-class upbringing to her inspirational work for women, poverty, health, and education.
The former First Lady is full of surprises; here are some intriguing facts you might not know about her.
Michelle Obama Was Named One of Time Magazine’s Top 100 Influential People
In 2019, two years after her all-involved eight years as America’s First Lady, Michelle Obama was listed as one of Time Magazine’s top 100 most influential people.
Listed in the ‘icons’ category, Obama received recognition in a piece by musical artist Beyoncé. She was praised for her leadership, initiative, and the authenticity she brings to her public role as an African-American woman.
Fashion Played an Enormous Part in Michelle Obama’s Popularity
A few months prior to her husband becoming the 44th President of the United States, Michelle Obama revealed on a talk show that her outfit was an online purchase from J.Crew. Addressing the audience with a friendly tone, she remarked, “Ladies, we know J.Crew. You can find some great items online!”
Her grounded stance on fashion indicated her relatable nature, continuing into her position as First Lady. Through the years, many designer items were worn, but her commitment to accessible fashion aided her favor in the public eye.
Michelle Obama Met Her Husband While Serving as His Mentor
Working at a Chicago law firm, Michelle Obama, then Michelle Robinson, was assigned as an advisor to a first-year law student taking a summer job there.
The law student was Barack Obama, and though he asked her out on a date many times, she continuously declined because it was inappropriate.
Michelle Obama Worked Only Five Years in Entertainment Law
Though Michelle Obama’s university degree led her to a career in entertainment law, she only worked for five years (during which she met her future husband) before moving to a position in public service.
Obama worked for Chicago’s Department of Planning before moving again to work for a national service organization called Public Allies.
A Sense of Humor Is Important to Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama has shared many candid and humorous stories throughout her life. Still, one she shared in her first memoir, Belonging, was a story about meeting a young love at a restaurant years after she and Obama had been married.
“So if you had married him,” her husband had observed after the meeting, “you would now be the owner of this lovely restaurant.”
“No,” she had replied. “If I had married him, he would now be president.”
During Her Husband’s Time in Office, Michelle Obama Received an Honorary Degree
Despite her well-earned educational accomplishments, Michelle Obama’s work toward the health of America’s youth earned her an honorary degree from The College of Public Health and Human Sciences.
The then-First Lady gave a commencement speech for the new college before being presented with an honorary degree for her work promoting and encouraging a healthier future for America’s youth.
Michelle Obama Learnt Piano as a Child
In her memoir Becoming, Michelle Obama recounts learning piano at age four, taught by her aunt.
She mentions that everything else fell into place after learning where the ‘middle C’ was on the piano.
In 2023, Obama performed at the piano alongside musician John Batiste for a Netflix special, proving that although the skills may be rusty today, she is still adept.
The First Time She Met Barack, Michelle Obama Thought His Nose ‘Big’
Michelle Obama, before meeting Barack for the first time, assessed a photo of him and thought his ears and nose were quite large—hardly encouraging for what would become a lifetime of love.
Later, when she met him in person, she realized that it was just an unflattering photo.
Exercise Is Vital in Michelle Obama’s Routine
A vocal advocate for physical fitness throughout and beyond her time as First Lady, Michelle Obama is still passionate about regular exercise.
Obama’s previous trainer, Cornell McClellan, noted that she prioritized workouts when they were scheduled and that sometimes she would be in the gym in the early hours of the morning.
Michelle Obama’s Father Was Inspiration to Her Success
For much of Michelle Obama’s childhood, her father was affected by symptoms of what was later diagnosed as multiple sclerosis.
Though he died at the age of 55, Obama has candidly spoken about his pride and determination as he chose to continue working through his illness.
Obama credits her parents for helping her see the value in “our story, in my story, and the larger story of our country.”
The Current White House Vegetable Garden Is Thanks to Michelle Obama
Passionate about nutrition and health from the get-go, Michelle Obama was determined to make some positive changes around her while her husband was working as President of the United States.
In March 2009, just two months after arriving at the White House, Obama planted the White House Kitchen Garden on the South Lawn, a predecessor to her future initiative, Let’s Move!, which focuses on the health and physical education of America’s youth.
Michelle Obama Skipped Second Grade
Intelligent from an early age and irritable at her second-grade teacher’s ability to teach, Michelle Obama, at age seven, complained to her mother that she wasn’t learning enough.
With her mother’s support and behind-the-scenes action, it wasn’t long before Michelle and some others in her class were tested and then sent directly to third grade.
Not Just Former First Lady: Michelle Obama Is Also a Grammy Winner
Talented in many fields, the former First Lady Michelle Obama has also received the iconic Grammy award, not just once, but twice.
Winning for Spoken Word Album, the awards were presented in 2020 and 2024 for her memoirs, which Obama then recorded audiobooks for.
Her delivery was so impactful that she joined the slew of other annual winners, such as Martin Luther King Jr., John F Kennedy, and Carrie Fisher.
Michelle Obama’s Secret Indulgences Are French Fries and Chocolate
Though the Former First Lady endorses healthy eating, she has admitted that “splurging is the key to life.”
“You couldn’t live without a little chocolate, a little French fries,” she said during the 2014 White House Easter Egg Roll.
Michelle Obama Still Supports Chicago Baseball
Michelle Obama grew up on the Chicago South Shore and is a Cubs supporter, though her husband remains devout to the White Sox.
“We’re a mixed marriage,” she admitted, noting that her father supported the Cubs, so she does too.
Michelle Obama’s Height Insecurity
Tall for a female at 5’11, Michelle Obama has been candid about her insecurity. In her most recent memoir, The Light We Carry, she confesses that she hates how she looks “all the time.”
Remembering that her height during school would enhance the “tiniest kernel of self-loathing,” Obama explains how she can live boldly despite such insecurities.
Michelle Obama’s First Memoir, an Enormous Success
Michelle Obama’s first memoir, Belonging, was released in 2018, selling a record-breaking 1.4 million copies within the first seven days.
Five months later, it reached the 10 million copy mark, and reaching 17 million today.
The First African-American First Lady, Michelle Obama
While her husband, Barack, became the first African-American President of the United States, it cannot be overlooked that Michelle Obama was doing the same for the position of First Lady.
Her position of influence and power encouraged the African-American community, creating what many viewed as a new legacy.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. A teacher for seven years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.