Yesterday, we lost a cherished member of our family. We got Sunny at the start of our second term in the White House, and all of us – including our first dog, Bo – immediately fell in love. We also had trouble keeping up with her, for Sunny was a force of nature. Athletic and full of boundless energy, she leapt over the hedges on the South Lawn like they weren’t even there, chasing squirrels, birds and anything else that moved. And whereas the way to Bo’s heart usually involved a treat, Sunny was more interested in having us run around with her, roll on the floor with her, or have her belly rubbed for as long as we were willing. She loved the girls, even if they were pestering her when she was napping. She loved our team, and would often follow them around, helping them on the job. She was fiercely protective of Bo, who she rightly sensed wasn’t always as alert and attentive as she was. She had her eccentricities: other than Bo, she preferred people to dogs; she was a loud and sloppy drinker; and despite being a Portuguese Water Dog, she hated getting wet. But as far as our family was concerned, she was pretty much perfect, and for thirteen years, she would be by our side – always loyal, always sweet, always ready for adventure, still fiery and gorgeous till the very end of her days. We will miss her terribly, and imagine she’s with her big brother now, making sure he’s okay.

If you were young in 2001, or weren’t even born yet, it can be hard to imagine what 9/11 felt like. The shock of that beautiful, cloudless morning. The heartbreak of the families whose loved ones were taken with such swiftness and cruelty. The realization that the forces of malevolence and violence were closer, and the future less certain, than we knew. But in the days that followed, we felt something else, too. Pride in the rescue workers who had rushed to the scene, and the passengers who had stormed the cockpit. Admiration for the men and women who left behind lives of comfort to serve their country. A deep resolve that nothing would break the will of a truly United States of America. Today Michelle and I are remembering those we lost that day, and those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the wars that followed. We pray for their families. And we hope Americans everywhere remember the true lesson of 9/11: that we can survive even our darkest days as long as we move forward as one nation and one people.

Big hugs to @CocoGauff!!! She’s a joy to watch. Always proud. Go USA Tennis!! 🙏🏾💕

Music has always had the power to connect and inspire us. At the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, @EddieVedder and the young people from @GuitarsOverGuns wrote and performed a profoundly moving song, ‘Better Believe,’ that spoke to each of them and all of us.

This back-to-school season, the @ObamaFoundation’s @GirlsAlliance is pledging $500,000 to ten girl-serving organizations in my hometown of Chicago. These organizations change lives, and I hope you’ll join us to support girls in Chicago and around the world: gofundme.org/girls-opportuni…

Some people put their ideas out in the world and hope they catch on. Not Gloria Steinem. Through her writing, her speeches, and her organizing, she demanded that the world pay attention to all the ways that women had been — and in some cases, still are — treated unfairly. And she helped awaken us to problems like domestic violence, the lack of affordable child care, and unfair hiring practices that had too often been ignored or overlooked. Gloria really was larger than life. Today, generations of women are walking a little taller and aiming a little higher because of what she fought for and achieved. Michelle and I are thinking of her family today, and everyone — women and men — who were inspired by her towering example.

Art is a powerful tool for telling stories, sharing ideas, and inspiring change. Barack and I are so proud that the Obama Presidential Center features extraordinary pieces by some of the most visionary artists of our time. We can't wait for you to visit!

Happy birthday, @BarackObama! 65 never looked better. Every day, you make me a better person, and I’m thankful for all the ways you show up for our family and our country. Love you. ❤️

In June, when we debuted the first official portrait of President and Mrs. Obama at the Obama Presidential Center Museum, the world went wild for the story of how Michelle Obama had long hoped to collaborate with renowned artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby, and how deeply the experience moved Crosby. This is a behind-the-scenes look at how this landmark piece of art was created. Now, we hope you can come see the craft, care and collaboration for yourself in the Hope and Change Lobby at the Obama Presidential Center Museum. It’s a free space, and open to the public.

There’s nothing like a choir to get you fired up! Michelle and I enjoyed this beautiful performance from the Uniting Voices Chicago during the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center.

A month ago, we opened the Obama Presidential Center and it’s been great seeing folks from all over Chicago and the world make this campus their own.

Barack and I have known Mark Bradford for a long time, and have always been amazed by his work. His beautiful new piece at the Obama Presidential Center, City of the Big Shoulders, is three stories tall and weaves together Chicago’s history – our hope, our power, and our resilience. Somehow, Mark’s story might be even more extraordinary. Watch this, and I think you’ll agree.

Essence Fest, you all certainly showed up tonight! I had such a great time chatting with @KekePalmer about my book #TheLook, this next chapter in my life, our journeys as Black women, and so much more. Thanks so much for all the love!  And for those who couldn’t make it to New Orleans — can’t wait for you to catch our conversation soon on @imopodcasts!

It was so meaningful to sit down with Quinta Brunson, my brother @CraigMalRob, and an amazing group of girls from the @GirlsAlliance in Chicago. Take a look at our time together:

So much of my story—and Barack's—runs through the South Side of Chicago. We had so much fun going down memory lane with @People, sharing moments from the decades we've spent together, the opening of the Obama Presidential Center, and the work we still have left to do in our next chapter. We hope you'll check out the interview: people.com/barack-michelle-o…

Let’s Talk. This year at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, we’re bringing the conversation to the Superdome for a special live taping of IMO with Michelle Obama and KeKe Palmer! Expect wisdom. Expect laughter. Expect the kind of honest conversation that only happens when powerful women sit down and keep it real. We’re talking about life, purpose, community, and everything in between, and we want you in the room. Join us on July 3 at the Superdome in New Orleans. Tickets are available now: ticketmaster.com/2026-essenc…

It was such a joy getting to spend time with Joe and Jill, George and Laura, and Bill and Hillary last week. Barack and I will always be grateful for your constant friendship and support of our family over the years.  (And George, thanks for the mints!)

.@TemsBaby and I met with some aspiring artists at the Obama Presidential Center’s new Media Suite! Barack and I hope this Media Suite will become a place where young people can find their voice, learn about music, and make beautiful art.

The Obama Presidential Center might be named for the Obamas, but it is built for you. It’s a vibrant, living celebration of community. A monument to unshakable values: equality, empathy, and inclusion. A beacon of hope. It’s a place we hope you’re going to come back to again and again.

Happy Father’s Day to my man...he shows our daughters everyday what it truly means to be a man. Thank you for setting the bar high for them.