Former President Barack Obama celebrated his wife Michelle Obama's 61st birthday with a heartfelt message on social media, referring to her as "the love of my life." The former first lady has maintained a lower public profile recently, opting not to attend former President Jimmy Carter's funeral or President-elect Trump's upcoming inauguration.

Obama's Instagram post praised Michelle for filling "every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace." Michelle reciprocated the sentiment on X (formerly Twitter).

Sources suggest Michelle Obama's decision to forgo the inauguration stems from her strong disapproval of Trump. During the recent election cycle, she actively campaigned for Vice President Kamala Harris and delivered speeches at the Democratic National Convention where she criticized Trump's policies and rhetoric.

Despite frequent mentions as a potential presidential candidate, sources indicate Michelle Obama is not currently seeking a return to public life. While she will be absent from the inauguration, former President Obama, along with former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and their spouses, plan to attend.

Late last year, unfounded rumors circulated about the Obamas' marriage and a supposed connection between Barack Obama and actress Jennifer Aniston. Aniston firmly denied these claims, stating her closer relationship with Michelle. An Obama representative dismissed the rumors.