Barack Obama

Michelle Obama Thanks ‘Silver Fox' Husband in Final ‘Tonight Show' Appearance

The first lady shared emotional stories as she says goodbye after eight years in the White House

One day after her husband delivered his farewell address in Chicago, Michelle Obama bid her own farewell, taking the talk show stage one last time as the sitting first lady. During her appearance on the “Tonight Show” Wednesday, she shared how emotional it has been to say goodbye after eight years in office.

The Obamas have become world-class figures during their time in the White House, but the first lady made sure not to forget her roots while talking with host Jimmy Fallon. She took time to show appreciation for her mother, Marian Robinson, who lived with the family in their Washington, D.C., home. She thanked her mom for helping raise Sasha and Malia, now 15 and 18.

Obama also shared stories behind some of the most iconic White House photos.

In one picture taken inside a freight elevator at an Inaugural ball in 2009, Barack Obama shares a “private moment” with his wife, who is wearing his tuxedo jacket over her gown. Several Secret Service agents stand nearby, looking anywhere but at the first couple.

“We still travel with all these people,” the first lady said of the agents and staffers in the photo. “It’s like a romantic moment — and the fellas.” 

Fallon and Obama then reflected on another special photo, one taken from behind the president standing next to the Easter bunny. “The most iconic ear profile shot in the land,” Obama quipped.

Barack Obama shaped a legacy during his two terms as president — and the same can be said for Michelle Obama as first lady. With her passion for education and combating childhood obesity, she launched the Reach Higher and Let’s Move campaigns, two initiatives she said she will “absolutely” carry on.

“I will continue to stay involved in these issues for as long as I live,” she said. “I didn’t take these on because I was the first lady. I took these on because they meant something to me.”

However, she's going to first take a much-needed vacation and see “how long it takes before I get bored.”

Fallon and Obama also took some time to pen a few thank you notes. Obama thanked her husband "for proving you're not a lame-duck, but my very own silver fox."

Fallon thanked the first lady for “brining a whole new meaning to ‘the right to bear arms,'” as a photo of Obama showing off her toned biceps in a pink sleeveless dress appeared on screen.

Without missing a beat, Obama replied: “You are welcome.”

But it was about more than just outward appearance, as Fallon continued to thank Obama for “always promoting physical fitness.”

"And, hey, since you like exercising so much, how about running for president," Fallon said, ending the segment to vibrant cheers and applause. 

A first-lady worthy send-off wouldn't be complete without a few other special guests. Comedians Dave Chappelle and Jerry Seinfeld, who donned a crisp bow tie, joined the duo for a game of Catchphrase.

"For you this is just a little talk show game, not to me," Seinfeld said of his suit.

And finally, musical guest Stevie Wonder capped off the show by serenading Obama with a special medley of "Isn't She Lovely" and "My Cherie Amour.”

Contact Us