Michelle Obama recently sat down with Kate and Oliver Hudson on their popular podcast “Sibling Revelry,” where she gave an honest look into her daughters’ journey to independence. Malia and Sasha, now in their mid-twenties, continue to work hard at building their own lives, apart from the fame of their iconic last name.
Michelle revealed during the show that Malia and Sasha have been making a conscious effort to distance themselves from their parents’ public identities.
“Our daughters are 26 and 23. They are young adult women. But they did go through a stage in their teen years—it was the push away,” Michelle stated.
That push hasn’t slowed down. Both daughters remain focused on creating their own legacies, something Michelle said she deeply understands. “They’re still doing that,” she added. “You guys know this with children of parents who are known—they’re trying to distinguish themselves.”
Proving Themselves Through Hard Work
One point Michelle emphasized is her daughters’ need to feel like they’ve earned their opportunities. “It is important that my children believe they have earned their place in the world,” she stated.
According to Michelle, both girls are extremely mindful of how people perceive them. They don’t want to ride on their family’s coattails or be seen as privileged beneficiaries of fame. According to Michelle, “they don’t want people to think they don’t work hard or that they’re just naturally handed things.” “They’re very sensitive to that.”
This need to prove themselves fuels their work ethic and drives them to find success on their own terms.
Why Malia Chose to Go by ‘Malia Ann’ in Her Career
Michelle also addressed a topic that got national attention: Malia’s choice to drop her last name and use “Malia Ann” in her professional life. She first used the name when presenting her short film at the Sundance Film Festival.
“We thought, ‘They will still recognize you, Malia,'” Michelle joked as she considered the family’s reaction. Still, she and Barack respected the decision. Michelle continued, “We appreciated that she’s attempting to find her own path.”
Malia clearly wants her creative work to speak for itself, not to be viewed solely through the lens of being a former president’s daughter.
A Career Path on Her Own Terms
Malia’s creative pursuits are already making waves. She directed a Nike commercial earlier this year—an impressive opportunity that showcased her talent. On top of that, she worked as a writer for the Amazon Prime miniseries “Swarm,” where she helped shape a culturally relevant and buzzworthy project.
Her resume is building quickly, but she continues to prioritize substance over spotlight. Malia’s goal seems clear: to earn every opportunity and be judged on her work, not her name.
Michelle’s openness gave a rare glimpse into how even the most well-known families still value independence, growth, and hard work. Malia and Sasha are navigating fame in their own ways—but always with a commitment to staying grounded.
With every choice they make, from name changes to career paths, they show the world that legacy can be honored while still forging a new one.
