Barack and Michelle Obama probably have one of the best love stories among all the First couples in the United States ever. Their enduring relationship, which has continued for over 30 years now, also served as a great key to the former President’s political career. During his term in office, Michelle stood as a solid rock by him and also furthered his agenda.
The famous political marriage even inspired the 2016 film Southside With You. But did you know that this love didn’t quite come easily for Barack?
First Meet Ever
In 1989, Mr. Obama began working at the same Chicago law firm as Michelle, then Michelle Robinson. The ambitious woman, who would later be the 44th FLOTUS, was assigned to be her would-be husband’s mentor at Sidley Austin LLP. According to an interview given by Barack Obama to The Oprah Magazine, he instantly liked her, but she didn’t quite feel the same.
“I asked her out. She refused. I kept asking. She kept refusing,” the now-former U.S. President said.
First Date
Barack was persistent, and Michelle ultimately accepted his proposal. In her book Becoming, the former FLOTUS described that on their first date, her now-husband picked her up in a Datsun with a “rusted-out, four-inch hole.” Despite the apparent “shabbiness,” the date went well.
“He showed all the sides—he was hip, cutting edge, cultural, sensitive. The fountain—nice touch. The walk—patient,” Mrs. Obama told The Telegraph.
The Big Step
In 1991, two years after they first began dating, the pair got engaged at Gordon’s restaurant in Chicago. “And then the waiter came over with the dessert and a tray. And there was the ring. And I was completely shocked,” said Michelle. According to ABC News, at that time, Barack just passed the bar exam.
26 years ago today, these two tied the knot right here on the South Side of Chicago. Happy Anniversary, @BarackObama and @MichelleObama! pic.twitter.com/A6CWlPEdX4
— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) October 3, 2018
The Wedding
On October 3, 1992, Barack and Michelle Obama finally tied the knot. While speaking about their vows, Michelle later recalled, “Barack didn’t pledge riches, only a life that would be interesting. On that promise, he delivered.”
According to Brides magazine, the then-would-be First couple held their reception at the South Shore Cultural Center and for their honeymoon, they chose the coast of California.
Building a Family Together
On July 4, 1998, the Obamas became parents for the first time with Malia. Three years later, on July 10, 2001, they welcomed their second daughter, Sasha. Reflecting on Michelle’s role as the girls’ mother, Barack said, “The great thing about the girls is they’ve got a wonderful role model in their mom.”
Michelle Backs Barack’s Political Rise
In 2004, when Barack became a U.S. senator for Illinois, Obama became a family member and became a topic of media discussion. During this time, Michelle went to great lengths to support her husband and even actively worked on his campaign.
On This Day. 2009: Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th President; first African-American to be elected pic.twitter.com/JANas2JWIo
— West Wing Report (Edited by Paul Brandus) (@WestWingReport) January 20, 2017
President of the United States
In 2008, Barack Obama became the 44th President of the United States after defeating his Republican opponent John McCain. During his inauguration in January 2009, the POTUS didn’t forget to express his love for his wife. “First of all, how good looking is my wife,” she asked the crowd when Michelle was introduced by Denzel Washington.
Continuous Admiration for Each Other
Over the years, as the couple continued to endure political ups and downs, their relationship also grew stronger. During a 2011 interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Obama confessed, “Obviously I couldn’t have done anything that I’ve done without Michelle.” The former First Lady also admitted that their true partnership was the key to their success.
A few years later, Barack dedicated his memoir A Promised Land to “Michelle—my love and life’s partner, and Malia and Sasha—whose dazzling light makes everything brighter.”
A few months, there were some shocking divorce rumors, but the couple swiftly eliminated all speculations by publicly showing their love for each other. Barack celebrated Michelle’s 60th birthday on Instagram, and just last week, the pair was spotted on a date in New York.
Scroll below to catch some stunning glimpses of the couple together.
Barack and Michelle Obama have been married for 32 years.
Amid divorce rumors, Barack Obama celebrated Michelle’s 60th birthday.
