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2024 Democratic National Convention

Source: Robert Gauthier / Getty

Michelle Obama, the former First Lady and admired public figure, is marking her 61st birthday today (January 17th).

In recent weeks, Michelle Obama has remained absent from several high-profile events, including the state funeral for former President Jimmy Carter.

While her husband, Barack Obama, attended, a statement from Michelle’s office cited scheduling conflicts preventing her from being present.

Reports suggest she was spending time in Hawaii, where the Obama family owns a residence.

Another significant event Michelle is choosing to forgo is the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump.

In contrast to 2017, when she attended the ceremony alongside Barack, she has made it clear that she has no intention of being present this time around.

Reflecting on her experience in 2017, she expressed her discomfort with the atmosphere, noting the lack of diversity and representation.

Following a year of active engagement in political events, including Democratic National Convention speeches and campaign rallies for Kamala Harris, Michelle appears to be prioritizing personal time and a retreat from the public eye.

Despite her preference for privacy, Barack Obama took a moment to honor his wife on her birthday with a heartfelt social media post. Sharing a candid photo of them together at a dinner table, hands intertwined, he wrote:

“Happy birthday to the love of my life, Michelle Obama. You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace – and you look good doing it. I’m so lucky to be able to take on life’s adventures with you. Love you!”

Though she may be stepping back from public engagements, Michelle Obama’s influence remains strong, as admirers continue to celebrate her legacy and impact.

As she embraces a more private lifestyle, many remain eager to see what’s next for the beloved former First Lady.

Below we have collected 12 Photos of Times Michelle Obama Wore Braids Since Ending Her Tenure As The First Lady.

12 Times Michelle Obama Wore Braids Since Ending Her Tenure As The First Lady was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

1. Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama unveil their official White House portraits

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama unveil their official White House portraits Source:Getty

Former First Lady Michelle Obama stood on stage during the unveiling of Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama’s official White House portraits during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday, September 7, 2022. Obama stood next to the picture in an ombre dress, with her braids styled in a low bun.

12 Times Michelle Obama Wore Braids Since Ending Her Tenure As The First Lady was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

2. Former First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2022 US Open

Former First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2022 US Open Source:Getty

Former First Lady Michelle Obama watched the Men’s Singles Semifinal match between Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Frances Tiafoe of the United States on Day Twelve of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 09, 2022. She wore a blue and white striped blouse with a matching skirt and styled her braids in a low ponytail.

12 Times Michelle Obama Wore Braids Since Ending Her Tenure As The First Lady was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

3. Michelle Obama at the Clooney Foundation For Justice Inaugural Albie Awards

Michelle Obama at the Clooney Foundation For Justice Inaugural Albie Awards Source:Getty

Former First Lady Michelle Obama attended the Clooney Foundation For Justice Inaugural Albie Awards at New York Public Library on September 29, 2022, in New York City. The former First Lady wore a vibrant pink suit and styled her long braids into a low ponytail with a side part.

12 Times Michelle Obama Wore Braids Since Ending Her Tenure As The First Lady was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

4. Michelle Obama at “The Light We Carry” Tour

Michelle Obama at "The Light We Carry" Tour Source:Getty

Former First Lady Michelle Obama spoke onstage during the “Michelle Obama: The Light We Carry” Tour at The Fox Theatre on December 02, 2022, in Atlanta, Georgia. The stylish Capricorn donned black pants with a matching motorcycle jacket. She styled her braids in a bun, with a few loose braids that framed her face.

12 Times Michelle Obama Wore Braids Since Ending Her Tenure As The First Lady was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

5. Former First Lady Michelle Obama heads to “Jimmy Kimmel Live”

Former First Lady Michelle Obama heads to "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Source:Getty

Former First Lady Michelle Obama was seen entering the set of “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on December 12, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. We can’t see her outfit, but we were able to catch a glimpse of the author’s braided ponytail.

12 Times Michelle Obama Wore Braids Since Ending Her Tenure As The First Lady was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

6. The Obamas on a stroll through Barcelona

The Obamas on a stroll through Barcelona Source:Getty

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama were spotted leaving the Moco Museum on April 28, 2023, in Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. Even Michelle defaults to braids as her protective style of choice while on vacation.

12 Times Michelle Obama Wore Braids Since Ending Her Tenure As The First Lady was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

7. Former First Lady Michelle Obama attends the 2023 WSJ’s Future Of Everything Festival

Former First Lady Michelle Obama attends the 2023 WSJ's Future Of Everything Festival Source:Getty

Former First Lady Michelle Obama spoke at 2023 WSJ’s Future Of Everything Festival at Spring Studios on May 03, 2023, in New York City. She wore a stylish black suit and pulled her braids into a ponytail.

12 Times Michelle Obama Wore Braids Since Ending Her Tenure As The First Lady was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

8. Former First Lady at the 2023 US Open

Former First Lady at the 2023 US Open Source:Getty

An enthusiastic former First Lady, Michelle Obama, was introduced during a ceremony honoring 50 years of equal pay at the U.S. Open during the Women/Men’s Singles First Round matches on Day One of the 2023 U.S. Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 28, 2023, in Queens, NY.  She styled her long, thick braids in a low ponytail.

12 Times Michelle Obama Wore Braids Since Ending Her Tenure As The First Lady was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

9. Former First Lady Michelle Obama at the memorial service held for Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter

Former First Lady Michelle Obama at the memorial service held for Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter Source:Getty

Former First Lady Michelle Obama arrived for a memorial service for former First Lady Rosalynn Carter at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at Emory University on November 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. She wore an all black ensemble and styled her braids in a low ponytail.

12 Times Michelle Obama Wore Braids Since Ending Her Tenure As The First Lady was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

10. Former First Lady Michelle Obama at the American Symphony New Orleans Premiere

Former First Lady Michelle Obama at the American Symphony New Orleans Premiere Source:Getty

Former First Lady Michelle Obama attended the American Symphony New Orleans Premiere on December 07, 2023, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She opted for a half-up, half-down style, with braids cascading down her shoulder.

12 Times Michelle Obama Wore Braids Since Ending Her Tenure As The First Lady was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

11. Former First Lady Michelle Obama spotted outside CBS Studio

Former First Lady Michelle Obama spotted outside CBS Studio Source:Getty

Former First Lady Michelle Obama was seen outside CBS Studio on April 20, 2023, in New York City. The side profile perfectly shows off her braided updo.

12 Times Michelle Obama Wore Braids Since Ending Her Tenure As The First Lady was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

12. Former First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2024 Democratic National Convention

Former First Lady Michelle Obama at the 2024 Democratic National Convention Source:Getty

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama shared a sweet embrace on stage in between their addresses on the second night of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center in Chicago, Ill., on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. The author’s long, sleek braided ponytail served as her co-star for the evening. 

12 Times Michelle Obama Wore Braids Since Ending Her Tenure As The First Lady was originally published on hellobeautiful.com