Barack Obama Celebrates Michelle Obama’s Birthday Ahead of Her Absence at Donald Trump Inauguration

Barack Obama is celebrating his forever first lady Michelle Obama. 

The former president shared a sweet tribute to his wife for her 61st birthday, just days after representatives for the couple confirmed she would not attend President-Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration alongside her husband. 

“Happy birthday to the love of my life,” Barack wrote in a Jan. 17 Instagram post, including a photo of the couple holding hands across a dining table. “You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor, and grace—and you look good doing it. I’m so lucky to be able to take on life’s adventures with you. Love you!”

Michelle—who tied the knot with Barack in 1992—couldn’t help but gush over her husband’s sweet post, commenting alongside a kiss emoji, “Love you, honey!”

And while Michelle—who shares daughters Malia Obama, 26, and Sasha Obama, 23, with Barack—is happy to be by Barack’s side in life, she has opted to forego standing by him amid the Jan. 20 Inauguration.