Michelle and Barack Obama | Source: Getty Images
Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are now embracing the empty nester chapter of life. Their daughters, once young girls in the White House spotlight, have grown into accomplished young women with an unbreakable bond. Over the years, Malia and Sasha Obama have become not just sisters, but best friends—and now, even roommates.
The proud parents often speak highly of their daughters, who are now in their 20s. Online fans can’t help but notice the striking family resemblance: Malia is often said to be the spitting image of her dad, while Sasha is considered a “mini” version of her mom.
The Obama sisters share a deep and lasting bond that has helped them navigate life under the spotlight. Nearly four years after their father’s time in the White House came to an end, both Malia and Sasha were pursuing college degrees—Malia at 22 and Sasha at 19—when the pandemic unexpectedly brought them back under the same roof. The time at home only strengthened their connection, turning a challenging moment into a chance to grow even closer.
“In many ways, we’ve been lucky to have this time together,” Barack shared in a joint interview back in November 2020. “Malia and Sasha have been with us almost nonstop since March, with just a few short breaks.”
The former president spoke fondly of having his daughters back home, turning an unexpected situation into cherished family time.
With their daughters back under one roof, the Obamas embraced the unexpected gift of quality time. Barack fondly recalled the simple joys—sharing nightly dinners, playing board games, and gathering for movie nights. In a time of global uncertainty, those quiet, everyday moments brought the family closer and filled their home with laughter and warmth.
As they’ve grown older, Malia and Sasha’s bond has only deepened. What started as a sibling connection has blossomed into a true friendship. “I think part of what’s been really wonderful,” Barack shared, “is seeing Malia and Sasha become such great friends.” Watching his daughters support and uplift one another has been one of his greatest joys as a father.
Despite being three years apart, Malia and Sasha’s childhood was filled with the usual sibling antics. From borrowing each other’s clothes without asking to playful arguments over the little things, they experienced all the classic sisterly moments. According to their dad, it was all part of the charm of growing up together.
As Malia and Sasha entered adulthood, their bond grew even stronger, leading them to make the decision to share a home. In a November 2022 interview, Michelle opened up about her feelings on the move. While she was thrilled to see her daughters so close, she tempered her excitement, making sure not to sway their decision. “I wanted them to make that choice on their own,” she explained, reflecting on how their evolving independence has been both a proud and bittersweet moment for her as a mother.
Rather than expressing her excitement outright, Michelle kept her response casual, saying, “Okay, well, that’s interesting that you guys are going to try living together. We’ll see how it goes.” But beneath her calm exterior, she felt a deep sense of gratitude. “It’s the one thing you want for them,” she shared, reflecting on how comforting it was to see her daughters find such support in each other as they navigated this new chapter together.
Malia and Sasha quickly settled into their cozy Los Angeles apartment, getting creative with their décor on a budget. From treasure-hunting at yard sales to picking up stylish yet affordable pieces from Ikea, they transformed their space into a home. This new chapter as roommates has only deepened their bond, but Michelle remains cautious about how much of their personal lives she shares with the public. As a mother, she’s mindful of balancing her pride with the girls’ need for privacy as they navigate this exciting new phase.
When asked about the most difficult truth she shared in her memoir, The Light We Carry, Michelle reflected on her approach to honesty. “It is what it is,” she said with characteristic clarity, noting that being open has never been hard for her. However, she did admit that discussing parenthood in such a personal way posed its own set of challenges. Sharing the ups and downs of raising her daughters required a level of vulnerability, but it was something she ultimately felt was worth the risk.
In her commitment to protecting Malia and Sasha’s privacy, Michelle was careful about how much she revealed. As a doting mother, she emphasized the importance of limiting details about their lives and their exposure to the public. “They didn’t ask for this attention,” she explained, highlighting how crucial it was to respect their desire for normalcy in an often intrusive world.
Before the book’s publication, Michelle made sure Malia and Sasha reviewed the passages about them. She explained that including their stories was meant to inspire and help others, but she was firm on the importance of maintaining boundaries. “They’re not social media figures,” Michelle stressed, adding that they never sought out paparazzi attention, even with the release of her book. For her, protecting their privacy remained a top priority.
Despite their growing independence, the Obamas’ close-knit family dynamic remains as strong as ever, with Malia and Sasha continuing to carve out their own unique paths.
Malia: A Rising Star in Film and Television
Malia, the Obamas’ first daughter, was born in July 1998. Now 26, she’s making waves in the world of film and television, forging a creative career of her own. In July 2024, her father, Barack, shared a heartfelt birthday tribute to his eldest daughter, celebrating the incredible young woman she has become.
On Instagram, Barack shared a sweet throwback photo of him holding hands with Malia, reminiscing on their special bond. In his caption, he wrote, “Happy birthday, Malia. One of the greatest joys of my life is watching you grow into the extraordinary woman you’ve become today—and the fact that you’re still willing to hold your dad’s hand in public!” The post perfectly captured the deep love and pride he feels for his daughter as she steps into adulthood.
Malia has carried the same thoughtful, grounded nature into adulthood that her parents admired in her even as a child. Described by those close to her as “wise and thoughtful,” she had a quiet maturity from an early age. She collected keychains, embraced her love for the arts through drama classes, and showed signs of independence early on—setting her own alarm and making her bed by the time she was in first grade. Even then, it was clear she was carving her own path with quiet confidence.
Malia, Michelle, Sasha, and Barack Obama during his caucus night rally on January 3, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa | Source: Getty Images
Even during the whirlwind of the 2008 campaign trail, Barack often found himself in awe of his daughters. “My 9-year-old is always coming up with remarkable things,” he shared in an interview that year, speaking of Malia with admiration. He revealed that their quiet acts of kindness frequently moved him to tears, offering a powerful reminder of what truly mattered amidst the chaos of politics.
Barack fondly recalled a moment that revealed Malia’s early wisdom. At just six years old, she asked him, “Daddy, are we rich?” After he gently explained that while they were comfortable, they weren’t extremely wealthy, Malia responded with a sincerity far beyond her years: “Well, that’s good, because I don’t want to be really rich. I think I want to live a simple life.” Her words struck him deeply, leaving him marveling, “Where did she come up with that?” It was a glimpse into the grounded, introspective nature that would continue to define her as she grew.
Malia’s independent spirit only grew stronger as she entered young adulthood. At 18, she graduated from the prestigious Sidwell Friends School in June 2016 and made the thoughtful decision to take a gap year before starting at Harvard. As the Obama family prepared to leave the White House, Barack spoke candidly about the transition. “They’re ready to get out, just out from their parents’ house,” he said with a smile. “But Malia’s going off to college. She’s a grown woman.” His words reflected both pride and the bittersweet feeling of watching his daughter step confidently into the next chapter.
After graduating from Harvard in 2021, Malia followed her passion for storytelling straight into the entertainment world. Embracing her creative voice, she began building a career as both a writer and director. In 2023, she made her directorial debut with the short drama film The Heart, a project that showcased her unique perspective and artistic depth. With each step, Malia continues to carve out her own path—one rooted in creativity, authenticity, and purpose.
In addition to her work in film, the Chicago native also made waves in the television world. Malia earned recognition for her contributions to the critically acclaimed Prime Video series Swarm, created by Donald Glover and Janine Nabers. She made her TV writing debut by co-writing episode five, titled “Girl, Bye,” showcasing her talent for crafting compelling, edgy narratives. The project marked another bold step in her creative journey—and firmly established her as a rising voice in the industry.
Swarm showrunner Janine Nabers didn’t hold back her praise, calling the episode Malia co-wrote “probably one of the wildest” of the series. She described Malia as “an incredible writer” with bold, hilarious ideas and a fresh creative voice. Before landing her spot in the writers’ room, Malia had already begun laying the groundwork for her career—interning on HBO’s Girls and working as a production assistant on the sci-fi drama Extant. Each step reflected her dedication to learning the craft from the ground up.
Donald Glover was so impressed by Malia’s talent that he brought her on as a staff writer for Swarm, where she worked alongside Stephen Glover, Ibra Ake, and a team of seasoned industry creatives. Her presence in the writers’ room brought a fresh, authentic perspective—especially valuable for a series centered around characters in their 20s. Showrunner Janine Nabers noted how much she appreciated Malia’s insight, which added depth and relatability to the show’s storytelling.
“She’s a very professional person,” Swarm showrunner Janine Nabers said in an interview, highlighting the team’s enthusiasm for giving Malia a real opportunity to grow as a television writer. The experience allowed the Chicago native to sharpen her craft and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative creative space.
Malia’s talent in film also began earning international acclaim. In September 2024, her short film The Heart was honored with the prestigious New Generation Prize at the Festival de Deauville in France. As she graced the red carpet, fans around the world took to social media to celebrate both her success and striking appearance.
Many were awed by how much she resembled her famous parents. One admirer wrote, “She’s her dad’s twin, but her mother is written all over her… she’s amazing.” Others focused on her likeness to Barack, commenting, “Looks just like her dad. Soo beautiful,” and “OMG. She looks just like Barack.”
Another user echoed the sentiment, writing, “She’s just like her dad omg.” Meanwhile, others couldn’t help but see both parents in her. “She is such an exact combination of her parents,” one admirer observed, capturing the widespread fascination with how Malia so effortlessly reflects both Barack and Michelle—not just in looks, but in poise and presence.
While Malia continued to make her mark in the entertainment world, Sasha began carving out her own unique path—one that earned just as much love, admiration, and pride from her family. With her own distinct personality and sense of style, Sasha has grown into a confident young woman, gracefully stepping out of the White House shadow and into a life entirely her own.
Sasha: Embracing Independence and Success
Born in June 2001, Sasha Obama is the younger of the two Obama daughters—and has grown into an inspiring young woman in her own right. To celebrate her 21st birthday in June 2022, Barack shared a touching tribute on social media, posting a throwback photo of himself cradling baby Sasha in his arms. The caption reflected his deep affection: a proud father honoring the journey of his youngest as she stepped fully into adulthood.
“Happy birthday, Sasha! I have loved watching you grow into the intelligent, beautiful, and caring young woman you’ve become,” Barack wrote in the caption. “And no matter how old you get—you’ll always be my baby girl. Look at those cheeks!” The nostalgic photo and tender words touched many, offering a glimpse into the deep father-daughter bond they share.
Sasha’s vibrant personality has always been a source of joy in the Obama household. Known for her quick wit and infectious energy, she’s long been the one to keep everyone laughing. In an interview, Barack affectionately described her as “full of energy and the comedian in the family,” highlighting the lighthearted spirit she brings to every room.
One moment that stood out to Barack perfectly captured Sasha’s humor and charm. Recalling a typical school morning, he shared how Michelle had flipped on the lights, encouraging the girls to get up and get ready. Still half-asleep and clearly not ready to face the day, young Sasha groaned, “Awww, Mommy, we are peace!”—likely meaning “peaceful.” The moment made such an impression that Barack and Michelle later adopted the phrase as a playful inside joke, using it whenever they wanted some quiet time. It was a small, funny memory that reflected Sasha’s unique personality and the warmth within their family.
Sasha’s childhood was a lively blend of sports, creativity, and academics. She explored a variety of interests—playing basketball, taking tap dance and gymnastics lessons, and, alongside Malia, learning both tennis and piano. Her well-rounded upbringing reflected the Obamas’ focus on balance and curiosity, encouraging their daughters to try new things and discover their passions.
After graduating from Sidwell Friends School in 2019, Sasha began the next chapter of her academic journey at the University of Michigan. Like many students at the time, she started college amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, attending virtual classes from home. As the university gradually reopened for in-person learning, Sasha balanced her studies between campus life and online coursework, adapting with resilience and focus.
By May 2023, Sasha had reached an exciting milestone—earning her degree in sociology from the University of Southern California. The special day was made even more meaningful with her family by her side. Barack, Michelle, and Malia proudly attended the ceremony, cheering Sasha on as she stepped across the stage, marking not just an academic achievement, but a powerful moment of growth and independence.
The following year, a birthday tribute photo of Sasha sparked online conversations about how much she resembled her mother. Fans couldn’t help but point out the striking similarity, with one commenter writing, “So gorgeous like her mummy [sic].” Another shared, “I’m stuck on watching her grow up in front of my eyes!!!!! beautiful inside and out!!! [sic],” while someone else marveled, “Wow!! Sasha is a beautiful girl, just like her mom!” It was a beautiful moment of reflection on Sasha’s journey and the undeniable connection she shares with Michelle.
The admiration continued to pour in, with one admirer commenting, “She’s absolutely stunning like her mother.” Another person marveled, “Oh my gosh!! She is a beautiful woman now!!” And yet another observed, “She’s a mini you,” highlighting how much Sasha mirrors Michelle in both looks and spirit. It was a heartwarming reflection of how far Sasha has come, both in her personal growth and in the way the public celebrates her.
Over the years, Michelle Obama has cherished every moment of watching her daughters grow into the remarkable women they are today. During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she expressed just how fulfilling it’s been to spend time with Malia and Sasha, calling the experience “fun” and praising them as “amazing young women.” Her words reflected the deep pride and joy she feels as a mother, witnessing her daughters embrace adulthood with grace and confidence.
Ellen DeGeneres reminisced about the first time the Obama daughters appeared on her show, when they were just eight and ten, eagerly anticipating a visit from the Jonas Brothers. “They loved the Jonas Brothers,” Ellen recalled with a smile. Michelle couldn’t help but laugh, joking, “Now they’re bringing grown men home.” She added, “Before, it was just, like, pop bands. Now they have boyfriends and real lives.” Her playful comment captured the bittersweet yet humorous reality of watching her daughters grow up and embrace new chapters of their lives.
Michelle often credits her mother’s wisdom when it comes to raising “real people.” She made sure Malia and Sasha learned the importance of responsibility early on—whether it was making their beds, managing chores, or learning to drive. These lessons, she believes, played a pivotal role in shaping them into the grounded, independent young women they are today. Michelle’s approach to parenting was always rooted in preparing them for the world, with an emphasis on self-reliance and respect.