Happy Birthday Michelle Obama! See Her Sweetest Photos with Barack Obama Through the Years

Mar. 15, 2025

Barack and Michelle Obama’s wedding photo.Photo: Michelle Obama/Instagram

BarackandMichelle Obamahave been a power couple since they wed 32 years ago on Oct. 3, 1992.

The former first have created endless memories to look back on, most notably the arrivals of their daughters,Malia, now 26, andSasha, now 23.

Here, look back on the couple’s sweetest photos together as Mrs. Obama turns 61 on Jan. 17, 2025.

01of 28Early DaysBarack Obama/Instagram.The former POTUS and FLOTUS first met in 1989, while they worked together at a Chicago-based law firm. Michelle, who was also a Harvard Law alumna, was assigned to be his mentor.

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Early Days

Barack Obama/Instagram.

The former POTUS and FLOTUS first met in 1989, while they worked together at a Chicago-based law firm. Michelle, who was also a Harvard Law alumna, was assigned to be his mentor.

02of 28First DateMichelle Obama(then Michelle Robinson) actually initially didn’t want to date Barack because they were co-workers. Michelletold ABC Newsthat after Barack asked her out, she thought, “no way. This is completely tacky.” Luckily, she eventually agreed to a date when the futurepresident offered to quit his job.

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First Date

Michelle Obama(then Michelle Robinson) actually initially didn’t want to date Barack because they were co-workers. Michelletold ABC Newsthat after Barack asked her out, she thought, “no way. This is completely tacky.” Luckily, she eventually agreed to a date when the futurepresident offered to quit his job.

03of 28Power CoupleMichelle Obama/Twitter.Their first date consisted of a long walk, the Chicago Art Institute and, of course, ice cream. Obama said in a20th anniversary video. “I offered to buy her ice cream. And then bought her some chocolate ice cream. And I think that is what put her over the top. That’s where she said, ‘This guy knows how to treat a woman.’ That was our first kiss!” The pair have been #CoupleGoals ever since.

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Power Couple

Michelle Obama/Twitter.

Their first date consisted of a long walk, the Chicago Art Institute and, of course, ice cream. Obama said in a20th anniversary video. “I offered to buy her ice cream. And then bought her some chocolate ice cream. And I think that is what put her over the top. That’s where she said, ‘This guy knows how to treat a woman.’ That was our first kiss!” The pair have been #CoupleGoals ever since.

04of 28Saying ‘I Do’Michelle Obama/Instagram.After getting engaged in 1991, the pair wed in Chicago on Oct. 3, 1992.

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Saying ‘I Do’

Michelle Obama/Instagram.

After getting engaged in 1991, the pair wed in Chicago on Oct. 3, 1992.

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Forever Kind of Love

Barack Obama and Michelle Obama.Michelle Obama/Instagram

06of 28Finishing TouchesCharles Ommanney/GettyEven senators need a hand every now and then! In 2004, Michelle fixed her husband’s tie before he gave a keynote address in Chicago.

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Finishing Touches

Charles Ommanney/Getty

Even senators need a hand every now and then! In 2004, Michelle fixed her husband’s tie before he gave a keynote address in Chicago.

07of 28True Love’s KissMichelle and Barack Obama.Scott Olson/GettyAccording to Michelle, “Barack didn’t pledge riches, only a life that would be interesting. On that promise he delivered.”

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True Love’s Kiss

Michelle and Barack Obama.Scott Olson/Getty

According to Michelle, “Barack didn’t pledge riches, only a life that would be interesting. On that promise he delivered.”

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She’s Got His Back

In 2008, when he was still just a presidential hopeful, a proud Michelle hugged her husband on the campaign trail.

09of 28Say Cheese!Joe Raedle/GettyThese two even manage to make campaigning look fun!

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Say Cheese!

Joe Raedle/Getty

These two even manage to make campaigning look fun!

10of 28Team PlayersScott Olson/GettyThe couple fist bumped in 2008 at a campaign rally after Barack became the official nominee for the Democratic party.

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Team Players

Scott Olson/Getty

The couple fist bumped in 2008 at a campaign rally after Barack became the official nominee for the Democratic party.

11of 28The First CoupleFrom left: Michelle and Barack Obama dance during the inaugural ball on Jan. 20, 2009.Chip Somodevilla/GettyThe pair had their first dance as President and First Lady whenBarack Obamawas inaugurated in 2009.

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The First Couple

From left: Michelle and Barack Obama dance during the inaugural ball on Jan. 20, 2009.Chip Somodevilla/Getty

The pair had their first dance as President and First Lady whenBarack Obamawas inaugurated in 2009.

12of 28He Only Has Eyes for HerPete Souza/White House via GettyAfter the 2009 Inaugural Ball, the Obamas look the elevator straight to Cloud Nine, and this photo is proof!

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He Only Has Eyes for Her

Pete Souza/White House via Getty

After the 2009 Inaugural Ball, the Obamas look the elevator straight to Cloud Nine, and this photo is proof!

13of 28Roll OutPete Souza/White House via GettyNeedless to say, the pair rolled into their next eight years in style.

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Roll Out

Needless to say, the pair rolled into their next eight years in style.

14of 28P.D.A.: Presidential Display of AffectionFrom left: Barack and Michelle Obama in 2009.Pete Souza/The White HouseIn 2009, Barack hugged his wife while in the Red Room of the White House — which is also where theygave their last interview to PEOPLEas POTUS and FLOTUS in 2016.

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P.D.A.: Presidential Display of Affection

From left: Barack and Michelle Obama in 2009.Pete Souza/The White House

In 2009, Barack hugged his wife while in the Red Room of the White House — which is also where theygave their last interview to PEOPLEas POTUS and FLOTUS in 2016.

15of 28Taking a SpinChip Somodevilla/GettyThe pair danced together at their second Inaugural Ball in 2013, smiling like two kids in love.

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Taking a Spin

Chip Somodevilla/Getty

The pair danced together at their second Inaugural Ball in 2013, smiling like two kids in love.

16of 28Lots of LaughsAndrew Harnik/AP/REX/Shutterstock.From left: Michelle and Barack Obama in 2018Barack toldMarie Clairein 2008 about his wife’s best qualities. “Anybody who knows her well knows she’s got the best sense of humor of anyone you’d ever want to meet,” he said of Michelle. “She’s the most quintessentially American person I know … She’s just a wonderfully normal, levelheaded person. Any American woman who meets her would immediately identify her as a fellow traveler.”

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Lots of Laughs

Andrew Harnik/AP/REX/Shutterstock.From left: Michelle and Barack Obama in 2018

Barack toldMarie Clairein 2008 about his wife’s best qualities. “Anybody who knows her well knows she’s got the best sense of humor of anyone you’d ever want to meet,” he said of Michelle. “She’s the most quintessentially American person I know … She’s just a wonderfully normal, levelheaded person. Any American woman who meets her would immediately identify her as a fellow traveler.”

17of 28Always ThereMichelle Obama/InstagramEven the leader of the free world needs a helping hand every now and then.

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Always There

Michelle Obama/Instagram

Even the leader of the free world needs a helping hand every now and then.

18of 28The Look of LoveYui Mok - WPA Pool/GettyGet someone who looks at you the way that Barack looks at Michelle.

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The Look of Love

Yui Mok - WPA Pool/Getty

Get someone who looks at you the way that Barack looks at Michelle.

19of 28Hype ManBarack and Michelle Obama in 2016.Chip Somodevilla/GettyEven as the President of the United States, Barack knew that his wife was always the star. “There’s no doubt I’m a better man having spent time with Michelle,” he toldVoguein 2013, “I would never say that Michelle’s a better woman, but I will say she’s a little more patient.”

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Hype Man

Barack and Michelle Obama in 2016.Chip Somodevilla/Getty

Even as the President of the United States, Barack knew that his wife was always the star. “There’s no doubt I’m a better man having spent time with Michelle,” he toldVoguein 2013, “I would never say that Michelle’s a better woman, but I will say she’s a little more patient.”

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Barack gave his wife a kiss as they left the White House in January 2017.

21of 28Gushing Over His WifeSteve Helber/AP"Michelle never asked to be first lady," Barack toldVoguein 2016. “Like a lot of political spouses, the role was thrust upon her. But I always knew she’d be incredible at it, and put her own unique stamp on the job. That’s because who you see is who she is — the brilliant, funny, generous woman who, for whatever reason, agreed to marry me. I think people gravitate to her because they see themselves in her — a dedicated mom, a good friend, and someone who’s not afraid to poke a little fun at herself from time to time.”

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Gushing Over His Wife

Steve Helber/AP

“Michelle never asked to be first lady,” Barack toldVoguein 2016. “Like a lot of political spouses, the role was thrust upon her. But I always knew she’d be incredible at it, and put her own unique stamp on the job. That’s because who you see is who she is — the brilliant, funny, generous woman who, for whatever reason, agreed to marry me. I think people gravitate to her because they see themselves in her — a dedicated mom, a good friend, and someone who’s not afraid to poke a little fun at herself from time to time.”

22of 28Partnered for LifeMichellesaid of her husbandon their 28th anniversary, “I love @BarackObama for his smile, his character, and his compassion. So grateful to have him as a partner through everything life throws at us.

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Partnered for Life

Michellesaid of her husbandon their 28th anniversary, “I love @BarackObama for his smile, his character, and his compassion. So grateful to have him as a partner through everything life throws at us.

23of 28Rock SolidFrom left: Michelle and Barack Obama in Joshua Tree National Park after leaving the White House.Courtesy Obama FamilyAfter leaving the White House, the pair went on a vacation to Joshua Tree, and “pushed” around this big boulder. Fitting, considering Barack has called Michelle his rock. Hetold Oprah Winfreyin 2011, “Obviously I couldn’t have done anything that I’ve done without Michelle. Not only has she been a great first lady, she is just my rock. I count on her in so many ways every single day.”

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Rock Solid

From left: Michelle and Barack Obama in Joshua Tree National Park after leaving the White House.Courtesy Obama Family

After leaving the White House, the pair went on a vacation to Joshua Tree, and “pushed” around this big boulder. Fitting, considering Barack has called Michelle his rock. Hetold Oprah Winfreyin 2011, “Obviously I couldn’t have done anything that I’ve done without Michelle. Not only has she been a great first lady, she is just my rock. I count on her in so many ways every single day.”

24of 28Taking a BreatherSince leaving the White House, the pair haveenjoyed their downtime. Mrs. Obama “has been more relaxed and more joyful since we left office,“her husband told PEOPLE. “That allowed us to just enjoy the deep love that comes with a marriage this long. But also to be friends again.”

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Taking a Breather

Since leaving the White House, the pair haveenjoyed their downtime. Mrs. Obama “has been more relaxed and more joyful since we left office,“her husband told PEOPLE. “That allowed us to just enjoy the deep love that comes with a marriage this long. But also to be friends again.”

25of 28Her BooThough they’ve posted many great photos together in the years since leaving 1600 Pennsylvania, perhaps none broke the Internet as much as Michelle’s shot of the pair rining in 2022 together. “Happy New Year from me and my boo! 🎉🥳"she wrote. “Wishing you all a year filled with happiness, love, and good health.”

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Her Boo

Though they’ve posted many great photos together in the years since leaving 1600 Pennsylvania, perhaps none broke the Internet as much as Michelle’s shot of the pair rining in 2022 together. “Happy New Year from me and my boo! 🎉🥳"she wrote. “Wishing you all a year filled with happiness, love, and good health.”

26of 28Still the OneBarack and Michelle Obama in 2022.Kevin Dietsch/GettyEven after decades together, the pair still gets a kick out of each other. Barack looked super proud of himself as Michelle laughed at a joke during the ceremony to unveil their official White House portraits in 2022.

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Still the One

Barack and Michelle Obama in 2022.Kevin Dietsch/Getty

Kevin Dietsch/Getty

Even after decades together, the pair still gets a kick out of each other. Barack looked super proud of himself as Michelle laughed at a joke during the ceremony to unveil their official White House portraits in 2022.

27of 28Eye to EyeBarack and Michelle at the US Open.Jean Catuffe/GC ImagesThe Obamas lovingly looked at each other while catching a match at the U.S. Open in 2023.

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Eye to Eye

Barack and Michelle at the US Open.Jean Catuffe/GC Images

Jean Catuffe/GC Images

The Obamas lovingly looked at each other while catching a match at the U.S. Open in 2023.

28of 28A Sweet MomentBarack Obama arrives onstage after his wife and former First Lady Michelle Obama.MANDEL NGAN/AFP via GettyThe pair had a happy moment together while at the Democratic National Convention in Aug. 2024, shortly beforeher powerful speech.

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A Sweet Moment

Barack Obama arrives onstage after his wife and former First Lady Michelle Obama.MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty

MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty

The pair had a happy moment together while at the Democratic National Convention in Aug. 2024, shortly beforeher powerful speech.

source: people.com