Barack Obama is celebrating his forever first lady Michelle Obama.
The former president shared a sweet tribute to his wife for her 61st birthday, just days after representatives for the couple confirmed she would not attend President-Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration alongside her husband.
“Happy birthday to the love of my life,” Barack wrote in a Jan. 17 Instagram post, including a photo of the couple holding hands across a dining table. “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—who tied the knot with Barack in 1992—couldn’t help but gush over her husband’s sweet post, commenting alongside a kiss emoji, “Love you, honey!”
And while Michelle—who shares daughters Malia Obama, 26, and Sasha Obama, 23, with Barack—is happy to be by Barack’s side in life, she has opted to forego standing by him amid the Jan. 20 Inauguration.
“Former President Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies,” a spokesperson for the couple said in a statement to E! News Jan. 14. “Former first lady Michelle Obama will not attend the upcoming inauguration.”
Michelle’s upcoming absence also comes after she missed former president Jimmy Carter’s funeral Jan. 9, despite former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Trump attending alongside their spouses Hillary Clinton, Laura Bush and Melania Trump. President Joe Biden and wife Dr. Jill Biden, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris and husband Doug Emhoff were also in attendance.
At the time, CNN reported that Michelle had opted to extend her holiday in Hawaii, but she had expressed condolences for Carter in a joint post with her husband following his Dec. 29 death. The couple emphasized in their tribute that Carter, “taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service.”
For his part, Barack made quite a splash at the memorial service—going viral for receiving a belly tap greeting from former president Bush, as well as engaging in a lively conversation with President-Elect Trump.
Still, Barack has emphasized before that every engagement is better with his wife by his side.
“I couldn't have done anything that I've done without Michelle,” he told Oprah Winfrey in 2011. “Not only has she been a great first lady, she is just my rock. I count on her in so many ways every single day.”
Keep reading for more sweet moments from the pair…
One-of-a-Kind Love Story
In July 2020, Michelle opens up about her marriage on her podcast. "One of the reasons I fell in love with you is because you are guided by the principle that we are each other's brothers' and sisters' keepers...," she shares. "I can say that my family, my neighborhood, my notions of community growing up shaped that view, and shaped the choices that I made in life as I felt your experiences shape yours."
Power Couple
The couple uplifts graduates during the Dear Class of 2020 event.
Head Over Heels
The couple exchanges smiles as they wait to greet South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and his wife Kim Yoon-ok.
Mother's Day Memory
Picture-perfect! President Obama shares a tender moment with Michelle during their Mother's Day gathering at the White House.
Over the Moon
All smiles! The two unveil their official portraits during a ceremony at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery in 2018.
It's a Thriller
The duo hands out candy to trick-or-treaters on the south lawn of the White House.
A Quick Kiss
The president places a gentle kiss on his wife's cheek.
"Let Me..."
Michelle ensures the president is handshake-ready before their meeting with Singapore's prime minister.
Seal of Approval
The President gives the First Lady a thumbs up before meeting with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his wife Ho Ching.
Golden Duo
Before their meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his wife Gursharan Kaur, the couple sneaks in glances at each other.
Aaaay!
President Fonz gives the camera a thumbs-up while Michelle looks equally bemused.
Sharing a Laugh
The adorable couple makes each other giggle before meeting with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi and Agnese Landini.
Four More Years
The duo is captured sharing a long embrace after learning that they will be POTUS and FLOTUS for four more years in 2012.
A Celebratory Dance
The president and his leading lady celebrate his re-election by enjoying a slow dance at the Commander-In-Chief's Ball in January 2013.
Ballroom Banter
The two share a slow dance at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball in 2009.
A Happy Dance
The duo flashes their gorgeous smiles as they dance at the Obama Home States Inaugural Ball in 2009.
Historic Embrace
The pair soaks up the moment at the DNC in 2008, after then-Sen. Obama officially accepted the nomination as the first Black man to be the lead candidate of a major political party.
Yes, We Can Fist-Bump
The couple shares their excitement at a Minnesota rally after Sen. Obama learned he had clinched the Democratic nomination for president in June 2008.