Michelle Obama makes huge announcement from 'Barack and I' amid divorce rumours

The Obamas took to social media on Wednesday to announce that The Obama Presidential Center would be honouring Hadiya Pendleton

Former First Lady Michelle Obama and Barack Obama made a huge announcement on Wednesday.

The 61-year-old took to her Instagram page on Wednesday to announce that The Obama Presidential Center would be honouring Hadiya Pendleton - a 15-year-old girl from Chicago who was shot in the back and killed while standing with friends after taking her final exams.

She was killed only one week after performing with her majorette squard at events for then President Barack Obama's second inauguration. Michelle attended her funeral in Chicago. In a new post, Michelle said: "To this day, I Carry Hadiya's story with me everywhere I go.

"She had an extraordinary light that will not be forgotten, and Barack and I look forward to honouring her memory through a dedicated space at the Obama Presidential Center." Speaking about the space, she said on the couple's website: When it’s finished, the space will be bright and welcoming, full of light and warmth, and open for anyone to enjoy. It will be a place to gather, connect, and hopefully to better understand the boundless potential that lies within each of us."

On the Obama website, she also referred to Barack as her 'husband', which comes after the couple were hit with claims of divorce.

However, earlier this month, the former president dispelled all the rumours in a gushing birthday tribute to his wife Michelle, who he affectionately called the “love of his life”. Breaking his silence on Instagram, Barack posted a sweet snap of pair sitting hand in hand and smiling at a dinner table.

In honour of his wife's 61st birthday on Friday, Obama wrote on social media: “You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace — and you look good doing it. I’m so lucky to be able to take on life’s adventures with you. Love you!” Michelle quickly replied underneath the post: “Love you, honey!”

The couple's marriage was first called into question when the former first lady failed to join her husband at Jimmy Carter’s funeral on January 9. Rumours only grew when it was announced she would also not be attending Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday. But a close source to the Obamas said of Michelle's absence from events: “You cannot tell Michelle what to do — no one can. That’s why she could not be persuaded to stump for Joe Biden during the last election.”

Follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.