“Our daughters, now 25 and 23, experienced a phase during their teenage years where they wanted to distance themselves. Being the children of well-known parents, they have been working to create their own unique identities," Michelle said.

Michelle addressed Malia’s creative journey, specifically referencing her 2024 short film The Heart, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.

In the credits, Malia used 'Malia Ann' her first and middle name, leaving out the Obama surname entirely.

“She is trying to make her way. It is very important for my kids to feel like they have earned what they’re getting in the world. They do not want people to assume that things are just handed to them. They are very sensitive to that," Michelle explained.

Barack Obama echoed similar sentiments in October 2024 while appearing on The Pivot Podcast.

Proud of Malia’s achievement in film, he shared how she consciously chose not to use the Obama name.

“She made her first movie, and it went to Sundance and all these famous festival. She did not use Obama on the credits. It said ‘Malia Ann.’ I told her, ‘You do know they will figure out who you are,’ and she said, ‘I want them to watch it the first time without that association," he said.

Both parents noted how intentional their daughters have been in maintaining their individuality and not leveraging their high-profile lineage.

Michelle concluded by saying that, while they as parents respected their daughters' choices, they also know fame is not so easily shaken:

“We were like, they are still going to know it’s you, Malia, but we respected the fact that she’s trying."

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Here is how people reacted to the news:

"She striving without the last name, good for her. A good way to test the waters."

"She wouldn't be there without her father's legacy."

"I chose not to use mine. I totally understand."

"I mean her last name would definitely get her a lot of places and she just wants to experience things on her own.. now everybody who’s name is Malia will automatically get picked."

"But Malia girl, we know it's you."

"So proud of them.I pray that they will remain humble and remember who they are."

"His daughters are Amazingly “ Normal”, humble, talented and beautiful."

May 31 marked the one-year anniversary of the passing of Michelle’s mother, Marian Robinson.

In a social media post, Michelle shared cherished photos highlighting special moments with her late mother, who died at 86.

Her tribute revealed the deep connection they shared and the enduring influence Robinson has had on her life.

Michelle also reflected on the complicated emotions of grief, explaining that even though her mother is gone, her presence is still felt daily.

Source: TUKO.co.ke