Former first lady Michelle Obama did not attend the Chicago memorial service for civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson on Friday, despite the Obamas' long-standing ties with the late activist. The ceremony took place at a church on the South Side of the Obamas' hometown.
Numerous dignitaries were present, including former presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Bill Clinton; former Vice President Kamala Harris; former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton; and former first lady Dr Jill Biden. California Governor Gavin Newsom also attended. President Donald Trump did not attend but recorded a video tribute, according to a White House official.
In a statement following Jackson's death in February at age 84, the Obamas praised his influence. 'Reverend Jackson also created opportunities for generations of African Americans and inspired countless more, including us,' the statement read. 'Michelle got her first glimpse of political organising at the Jacksons’ kitchen table when she was a teenager. And in his two historic runs for president, he laid the foundation for my own campaign.'
Mrs Obama's absence follows a pattern of her skipping high-profile events, including Donald Trump's inauguration and former President Jimmy Carter's funeral, both in 2025. She has explained her reduced public presence, telling NPR last year: 'One of the major decisions I made this year was to stay put and not attend funerals and inaugurations and all the things that I’m supposed to attend.'
The former first lady has also dismissed speculation about her marriage, saying: 'The fact that people don’t see me going out on a date with my husband sparks rumours of the end of our marriage ... We are 60. You just are not gonna know what we’re doing every minute of the day.'
