Full Breakdown
Malia and Sasha Obama Join Parents at Barack Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening
6/19/2026, 10:17:40 PM
Grand Opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center: A Rare Family Appearance
On Thursday, the Obama family took the stage at the newly opened Barack Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side. Former President Barack Obama, former First Lady Michelle Obama, and their adult daughters, Malia (27) and Sasha (25), participated in the ceremony that inaugurated a museum and library honoring the former president’s legacy. The event included speeches, musical performances, and a crowd of notable figures.
Background: The Obamas’ Approach to Their Daughters’ Privacy
Since leaving the White House, the Obamas have deliberately limited public exposure of Malia and Sasha. Over the past decade the sisters have appeared only sporadically on their parents’ social-media accounts or at low-profile events. Both parents have emphasized protecting the girls from media scrutiny, describing their upbringing as “a life they never chose.” The grand-opening appearance is one of the few occasions the sisters have shared a public platform with their parents.
Key Figures
- Malia Obama – 27, recently debuted a short film “The Heart” at Sundance, using the name Malia Ann.
- Sasha Obama – 25, works in nonprofit and technology sectors.
- Barack Obama – former President of the United States.
- Michelle Obama – former First Lady and author.
- Notable attendees – Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey, Dwyane Wade, John Legend, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder.
Official Statements & Responses
Michelle Obama praised her daughters for their resilience and growth, noting they have become brilliant and beautiful young women despite a childhood without personal choice. Barack Obama expressed deep gratitude, telling the sisters they are of utmost importance to him. Both remarks underscored the family’s pride while reaffirming their commitment to keeping the sisters out of the spotlight.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To our daughters, Malia and Sasha, who will always be my babies. Even though we're no longer playing hide and seek on the South Lawn with Beau or hosting sleepovers in the solarium - I see a lot of sleepover girls here -you both have grown into such brilliant and beautiful young women, making your way out there in the world,” — Michelle Obama, Former First Lady
- “Thank you for bringing so much joy and spirit and energy to a life you had no voice in choosing. And for making us proud every step of the way.” — Michelle Obama, Former First Lady
- “you mean everything to me.” — Barack Obama, Former President
- “I mean they're very sensitive about this stuff. They're very stubborn about it.” — Barack Obama, Former President
