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Barack Obama talking to a crowd with Michelle by his side and his daughters© WireImage

Michelle Obama announces news as Barack steps out with daughters in LA

 The couple try to stay maintain a close bond with their children

Hannah Hargrave
US Deputy Editor
March 6, 2025
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Barack Obama enjoyed some quality father-daughter time this week when he flew to Los Angeles to visit Malia and Sasha.

The former POTUS was photographed taking his girls out for a meal in California while Michelle shared news from afar. 

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She wasn't present for the family get together, but popped up on social media to reveal she and her brother, Craig Robinson, had been announced as featured guests at South by Southwest (SXSW).

The festival kicks off on March 7 but their session isn't until March 13. 

"Michelle Obama has long been an inspiration to us at SXSW and to millions of people around the world," said SXSW President Hugh Forrest in a statement. "Her belief that we lift each other up by sharing our stories with one another is a core part of the SXSW experience and a key catalyst in helping creative people achieve their goals. It is the ultimate honor and an incredible thrill to welcome Michelle and her brother, Craig Robinson, to the 2025 event."

Sasha and Malia looked stylish for their dinner date with dad© BACKGRID
Sasha and Malia looked stylish for their dinner date with dad

It's not known if Barack, Sasha or Malia will attend the event to support Michelle, but they all lead very busy lives.

Fans will, no doubt, be pleased to see Barack and his daughters enjoying a well-deserved catch up since they live in different states. 

Barack walking into the restaurant from behind wearing wedding ring© BACKGRID
Barack appeared to be smiling at the other diners

Sasha and Malia reside in LA together, while their parents continue to reside in Washington D.C.

Malia Obama smiling on the red carpet at a premiere© Getty Images
Malia Obama is all grown up now!

Michelle and Barack may no longer be POTUS and FLOTUS, but their work load remains jam-packed meaning they often spend time apart. 

However, on Valentine's Day they took the opportunity to share their love for one another with romantic gestures. 

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama participate in the unveiling of their official portraits during a ceremony at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery, on February 12, 2018 in Washington, DC. The portraits were commissioned by the Gallery, for Kehinde Wiley to create President Obama's portrait, and Amy Sherald that of Michelle Obama.  (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)© Getty Images
The longtime couple's work commitments often mean they're apart

"Thirty-two years together and you still take my breath away. Happy Valentine's Day, @MichelleObama!" he sweetly penned alongside a sunkissed photo of them together. 

Michelle Obama: 5 surprising facts

Former First Lady Michelle Obama speaks at the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015  at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on July 25, 2015 in Los Angeles, California.© Getty

1. Opposites attract

Michelle Obama didn't initially want to date Barack Obama when they met at a summer law firm. She believed a romantic relationship would interfere with their work, especially since she was Barack's adviser. 

2. Fitness fan

Michelle has always been passionate about maintaining her fitness as a busy mother of two. One of her early presidential initiatives, 'Let's Move',  aimed to inspire kids to exercise and help parents make healthier food choices for their children. 

3. World record breaker 

Michelle holds a Guinness World Record for leading the most people in jumping jacks, with 400 children joining her on the South Lawn at the White House. 

4. Brains and beauty 

Michelle was known as a stylish First Lady, wearing brands ranging from H&M to higher-end designers like Michael Kors. 

5. Skipping school 

Michelle Obama skipped second grade due to her intelligence and later joined a gifted student programme. 

Michelle shared the same image on her Instagram feed and captioned it: "If there's one person I can always count on, it's you, @BarackObama. You're my rock. Always have been. Always will be. Happy Valentine's Day, honey!"

Barack and Michelle Obama's wedding on October 3, 1992© Michelle Obama
Barack and Michelle'sedding on October 3, 1992

Fans were concerned there was trouble in paradise as they made several solo outings including when Barack attended former President Jimmy Carter's state funeral alone and President Donald Trump's recent inauguration. 

Barack and Michelle Obama's wedding on October 3, 1992© Michelle Obama
The couple has been married for 32 years

But he made it clear that all is well in his marriage when he also paid tribute to Michelle on her 61st birthday. 

Malia and Sasha are both now living in Los Angeles
Malia and Sasha are both now living in Los Angeles

"Happy birthday to the love of my life, @MichelleObama. You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace – and you look good doing it," the father-of-two shared on Instagram alongside an image of the two of them holding hands across a dinner table.

Michelle and Barack similing together with heads close© Instagram
They are both active on socials

"I'm so lucky to be able to take on life's adventures with you. Love you!" he concluded.

Michelle commented on the post with a simple: "Love you, honey!"

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