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Michelle Obama’s Younger Years: Photos of the Former First Lady Then & Now

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January 20, 2025 4:18PM EST
KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 26: Former first lady Michelle Obama speaks ahead of the arrival of Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign rally at the Wings Event Center on October 26, 2024 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Vice President Harris will be campaigning today with former first lady Michelle Obama in the battleground swing state of Michigan. With 10 days remaining, Harris continues campaigning against Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the November 5 election. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Getty Images

Michelle Obama has become an influential figure. See photos of the former First Lady throughout the years here.

There is probably no first lady more influential today than Michelle Obama, 61. The first lady has always been one of her husband President Barack Obama’s closest confidantes, and his loudest cheerleader.

She was at his side during his two terms as commander-in-chief, during which time they were the first African-American family in the White House. Michelle has been married to Barack since 1992. The couple have two daughters, Malia and Sasha.

As first lady, Michelle promoted health among all Americans. She encouraged people to eat healthy foods and be physically active. After her husband’s term ended as president, Michelle penned the memoir Becoming, which was also the basis for the documentary of the same name. Her book The Light We Carry came out in Nov. 2022.

Michelle Obama’s impact is undeniable. To see how far she’s come, scroll through our gallery for the best photos of the former first lady from her young days to now.

1 of 22

Michelle on Her Wedding to Barack Obama

Michelle on Her Wedding to Barack Obama
Ins News/Shutterstock

Michelle looked stunning in her wedding dress as she posed with Barack Obama’s sisters. Michelle and Barack have been married since October 3, 1992. 

July 15, 2021, 12:17PM
2 of 22

Michelle & Barack Obama in 1996

Michelle & Barack Obama in 1996
Ins News/Shutterstock

Michelle Obama sat next to her husband Barack Obama at a wedding in 1996. The couple was celebrating Obama’s half-sister Auma’s wedding to Ian Manners. Michelle looked beautiful in a brown gown.

July 15, 2021, 12:18PM
3 of 22

The Obamas on Election Day in 2004

The Obamas on Election Day in 2004
Nam Y Huh/AP/Shutterstock

Michelle Obama holding Malia’s hand as she leaves a polling place with Barack Obama and Sasha during Obama’s run for Senate. Barack entered the national political stage in 2004, when he tried to reach the Senate. Michelle supported him in his campaign.

July 15, 2021, 12:17PM
4 of 22

Michelle Obama at the United Nations

Michelle Obama at the United Nations
Justin Lane/EPA/Shutterstock

Michelle Obama looked gorgeous in a red dress, seated next to United Nations Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon‘s wife, Yoo Soon-taek. After Barack Obama was elected President of the United States, Michelle Obama accompanied him to many major events. 

July 15, 2021, 12:17PM
5 of 22

Michelle & Barack Obama in Kenya

Michelle & Barack Obama in Kenya
Sayyid Azim/AP/Shutterstock

Michelle Obama accompanied her husband Barack Obama during a solemn memorial service, where they laid a wreath in memory of those killed in a bombing at the U.S. embassy in Nairobi in August 1998. The bombing by Al-Qaeda killed over 200 people.

July 15, 2021, 12:17PM
6 of 22

The Obamas at the 2006 Legends Ball

The Obamas at the 2006 Legends Ball
Michael A Mariant/AP/Shutterstoc

Both Michelle and Barack Obama attended Oprah Winfrey‘s Legends Ball in 2006, which honored African-American women in art. Michelle looked stunning in a white dress, as her husband sported a matching white tie and suit.

July 15, 2021, 12:17PM
7 of 22

Michelle Obama at a 2009 State Dinner

Michelle Obama at a 2009 State Dinner
Everett/Shutterstock

Michelle Obama looked gorgeous at 2009’s State Dinner for Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of India and his wife Ms. Gursharan Kaur. Michelle rocked bangle bracelets and a sparkling dress.

July 15, 2021, 12:17PM
8 of 22

Michelle Obama on the Stump

Michelle Obama on the Stump
Elise Amendola/AP/Shutterstock

Michelle Obama has stumped for her husband plenty of times throughout his career. She gave an impassioned speech in Manchester, New Hampshire during then-Senator Barack Obama’s first presidential run.

July 15, 2021, 12:17PM
9 of 22

Michelle Obama on the Campaign Trail

Michelle Obama on the Campaign Trail
Charles Rex Arbogast/AP/Shutters

Michelle Obama rocked a white turtleneck and pearls while she accompanied then-Senator Barack Obama at the beginning of his first presidential campaign. She applauded as the future president spoke at the University of Illinois-Chicago campus.

July 15, 2021, 12:17PM
10 of 22

Michelle Obama at the 2008 Democratic National Convention

Michelle Obama at the 2008 Democratic National Convention
Matthew Cavanaugh/EPA/Shuttersto

Michelle Obama held daughters Sasha and Malia’s hands onstage at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Michelle looked gorgeous in a teal dress.

July 15, 2021, 12:17PM
11 of 22

Michelle Obama’s Official Portrait as First Lady

Michelle Obama’s Official Portrait as First Lady
Everett/Shutterstock

Michelle Obama looked beautiful in her official portrait as FLOTUS. She wore a simple black dress and accesorized with gorgeous pearls.

July 15, 2021, 12:17PM
12 of 22

The Obamas with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor

The Obamas with Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Everett/Shutterstock

First Lady Michelle Obama and President Barack Obama greeted Justice Sonia Sotomayor after she was appointed to the Supreme Court in 2009. Michelle wore a light blue cardigan during the meeting.

July 15, 2021, 12:17PM
13 of 22

Michelle Obama at the 2009 Inaugural Ball

Michelle Obama at the 2009 Inaugural Ball
Shutterstock

After President Barack Obama’s inauguration in January 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated alongside her husband. She wore a stunning white dress to one of the inaugural balls.

July 15, 2021, 12:17PM
14 of 22

The Obama Christmas

The Obama Christmas
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP/Shutterst

Happy holidays! Barack and Michelle Obama joined their daughters Sasha and Malia for a 2013 Christmas celebration. Also there were AJ McLean, Sheryl Crow, and Janelle Monáe.

November 15, 2022, 12:34PM
15 of 22

The Obamas Give the Arts Humanities Medal

The Obamas Give the Arts Humanities Medal
Charles Dharapak/AP/Shutterstock

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama were the hosts of the 2013 National Medal of Arts and the National Humanities Medals in the East Room at the White House in Washington. She looked lovely in a silk dress with an abstract pattern.

November 15, 2022, 12:34PM
16 of 22

The Obamas at the 2017 Obama Summit

The Obamas at the 2017 Obama Summit
AP/Shutterstock

Former President Barack Obama, right, and former first lady Michelle Obama were the center of attention as they arrived at the first session of the Obama Foundation Summit in Chicago, Illinois in Oct. 2017. She was chic in plaid slacks and a white top.

November 15, 2022, 12:34PM
17 of 22

Michelle Obama at Essence Festival 2019

Michelle Obama at Essence Festival 2019
Donald Traill/Invision/AP/Shutte

Michelle Obama looked so stylish at the 2019 Essence Festival at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on Jun. 6. Her hair was in natural curls and she donned a sparkling midnight blue dress.

November 15, 2022, 12:34PM
18 of 22

Michelle Obama in 2019

Michelle Obama in 2019
Hau Dinh/AP/Shutterstock

After the White House, Michelle Obama focused on her activism. Here, she’s seen as she listened to female students at the Can Giuoc high school in Long An province, Vietnam in 2019.

November 15, 2022, 12:34PM
19 of 22

Michelle Obama at the When We All Vote Summit

Michelle Obama at the When We All Vote Summit
John Salangsang/Shutterstock

Michelle Obama was there to advocate for making your voice heard during the ‘When We All Vote’ Culture of Democracy Summit in Los Angeles on Jun. 13, 2022. She took the stage in a khaki suit with a kelly green sweater and long necklaces. Adidas sneakers gave the look a laid back touch.

November 15, 2022, 12:34PM
20 of 22

Michelle Obama at Her White House Portrait Unveiling

Michelle Obama at Her White House Portrait Unveiling
Pool/ABACA/Shutterstock

Former US First Lady Michelle Obama was the image of elegance during a ceremony for the unveiling of her official White House portrait on September 7, 2022. She donned a plum to red ombre dress which was a perfect contrast to the gorgeous blue dress in the portrait.

November 15, 2022, 12:34PM
21 of 22

Michelle Obama Votes in 2022

Michelle Obama Votes in 2022
Charles Rex Arbogast/AP/Shutterstock

Former first lady Michelle Obama cast her ballot at an early voting venue in Chicago on Oct. 17, 2022. She wore a green jacket with her hair in tiny braids and loose waves.

January 16, 2023, 1:09PM
22 of 22

Michelle Obama at a Campaign Rally for Kamala Harris

Michelle Obama at a Campaign Rally for Kamala Harris
Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Michelle Obama spoke at one of former Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign rallies.

January 20, 2025, 4:20PM