Barack and Michelle Obama have addressed the state of their marriage in an extraordinary sit-down following months of speculation about the pair's relationship.
The former US President joined his wife on her podcast IMO, where the couple discussed the current state of their marriage.
Discussing with co-host and Michelle's brother, Craig Robinson, the former First Lady said "there hasn't been one moment in our marriage where I thought quitting my man".
She stated passionately: "We've had some really hard times. We had a lot of fun times, a lot of adventures, and I have become a better person because of the man I'm married to."
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| The Obamas have been married for 32 yearsBarack explained that Michelle took her back, light-heartedly jesting that "it was touch and go for a while".
The couple, who have been together for almost 33 years, said that "folks think we're divorced" when they are not together.
The rumours began when Michelle missed both the funeral of Jimmy Carter and the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
Michelle insisted that these were decisions she made for herself.
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Her absence at the events spurred on divorce rumours, fuelled by the former President's admission in April that he was in a "deep deficit" with his wife.
Addressing Hamilton College students, Barack said: "This is like 50 term papers. I mean, it just goes on forever. I'm hoping to get to the finish line on that.
"Beyond that, look, I was in a deep deficit with my wife, so I have been trying to dig myself out of that hole by doing occasional fun things."
Michelle made things clear on a podcast with entrepreneur and Dragon's Den star Steven Bartlett, over the former first couple's recent appearances.
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|Barack and Michelle sat down with Craig Robinson on the former First Lady's podcast
She jokingly said: "If I were having problems with my husband, everybody would know about it."
Last week, Michelle admitted to feeling "completely free" as she is now able to prioritise her own desires.
The former First Lady said: "I mean, at this stage in life, for me, personally, is the first time I've been completely free.
"There's been a release where every choice I make is not about my husband, not about his career, not about my family, not about what my kids need or where they're going, it's totally about me."