Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama were notably absent from the funeral of former Vice President Dick Cheney on November 20, 2025, as Michelle continues to step back from the political spotlight this year.
The funeral service for Dick Cheney, who served as vice president under George W. Bush and died on November 3 at age 84, was held on Thursday, November 20, in Washington D.C. Hundreds of dignitaries gathered, including former presidents and vice presidents, but the Obamas chose not to attend, joining a list of other prominent figures who skipped the event.
A source familiar with the situation confirmed to PEOPLE that Barack and Michelle Obama were not expected to be present at the funeral. While it is customary for former first couples to attend such services, their absence is not without precedent, as they also skipped the funeral of Democratic Vice President Walter Mondale in 2022. The reason for their decision remains unclear, but it aligns with Michelle’s recent pattern of avoiding high-profile political gatherings.
Other high-profile absences included President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who were reportedly not invited to the service. This exclusion is notable given Cheney’s break from the Republican party to endorse the Democratic ticket in the 2024 election. Former President Bill Clinton also did not attend due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict, as reported by multiple news outlets.
Michelle Obama’s absence is part of a broader trend this year. She notably missed the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter in January 2025 and the second inauguration of President Trump, events where Barack Obama was present alone. At the time, her spokesperson cited scheduling conflicts for the Carter funeral, but sources indicated her decisions were more deeply personal.
In contrast, Barack Obama has maintained a presence at key political events, attending both Carter’s funeral and Trump’s inauguration. His solo appearances highlight the differing approaches the former first couple are taking towards public life post-presidency, with Michelle increasingly prioritizing personal choices over traditional obligations.
Michelle Obama has publicly discussed her decision to skip certain events, emphasizing on her podcast the importance of practicing the ‘art of saying no.’ She explained that it took effort to make choices based on what felt right for her rather than adhering to expectations or protocol, describing it as a muscle she is building later in life.
This stance reflects a deliberate move by Michelle to distance herself from the political arena and focus on personal endeavors, including her podcast and other projects. Her absences have sparked discussions about the role of former first ladies and their autonomy in choosing which events to support, challenging long-standing norms.
The Obamas’ decision to skip Cheney’s funeral underscores the evolving nature of political traditions and the personal choices of public figures. As Michelle continues to carve out a life beyond politics, her actions may influence how future first families navigate their post-White House years, balancing public service with individual priorities.
