Michelle Obama has directly dismissed divorce rumours after Barack Obama attended a number of high profile events without her.
The events included Donald Trump's inauguration and the funeral of former US president Jimmy Carter.
This prompted speculation and rumours about the Obamas' marriage.
Speaking on the Work in Progress podcast, hosted by actress Sophia Bush, Ms Obama said she could control her own calendar "as a grown woman", after having a heavily scheduled calendar as first lady.
She said people did not believe she was "making a decision" for herself, and instead "had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing".
Ms Obama said that she felt guilt at stepping back from some duties.
"That's the thing that we as women, I think we struggle with like disappointing people," she said.
"I mean, so much so that this year people couldn't even fathom that I was making a choice for myself that they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.
"This couldn't be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that's what society does to us."
Ms Obama added: "I chose to do what was best for me. Not what I had to do. Not what I thought other people wanted me to do."
The Obamas celebrated their 32nd anniversary last year in October.
