Michelle Obama Wishes Barack Obama a Happy 61st Birthday

Image Source: Getty / Matt McClain / The Washington Post

Michelle Obama’s latest Throwback Thursday post is a mini love letter to Barack Obama. Celebrating her husband’s 61st birthday on Aug. 4, the former first lady shared a heartfelt tribute to the former president alongside a throwback photo that gives a glimpse into their time together before the White House. “Happy birthday to my honey!” she captioned the photo of a younger Barack staring out over a lush background. “Life with you just keeps getting better every year. You always make me proud. I love you.”

The post is one of many social media birthday messages Michelle has shared for her husband over the years. In 2021, Michelle celebrated his milestone 60th birthday with a photo of their family, including their daughters, Malia and Sasha. “Of all of your accomplishments, I know that being a present, loving father to our girls tops them all,” she captioned the post. “Thank you for never letting the weight of the world get in the way of being a wonderful husband and father.”

On Thursday, Barack also announced another reason to celebrate: the Water Garden at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago will be named in honor of his late mother, Ann Dunham. “My mother, Ann Dunham, was the biggest influence on my life,” he wrote on Instagram. “She had a core belief in our common humanity, and she made sure I recognized the inherent dignity in every person. . . . The Ann Dunham Water Garden will be a special place for visitors and members of the community to come together and reflect.”

See Michelle’s full birthday message for her husband here.