Empty Nest, Full Hearts
Barack and Michelle Obama are now embracing life as empty nesters. Their daughters, Malia and Sasha, have not only grown up but also grown closer — so close that they now live together.
The sisters share a deep bond that’s only strengthened with time. Over the years, online users have noted their strong resemblance to their parents — with Malia often called “her dad’s twin” and Sasha dubbed a “mini Michelle.”
Reunited During the Pandemic
Four years after their father’s presidency ended, Malia, then 22, and Sasha, 19, were in college. But the pandemic brought them back home.
“They’ve been with us almost continuously since March, with just a few breaks,” Barack said in a 2020 interview.
That unexpected time together was a gift. The Obamas cherished the simple joys — shared dinners, movie nights, and games.
Malia, Michelle, Sasha, and Barack Obama during his caucus night rally on January 3, 2008, in Des Moines, Iowa. | Source: Getty Images
From Siblings to Best Friends
As they matured, the sisters became inseparable. Barack reflected, “It’s been wonderful seeing Malia and Sasha become such great friends.”
Though three years apart, they had the typical sibling quarrels growing up — like borrowing clothes and playful teasing. Yet, those moments only strengthened their bond.
Malia Obama is seen in Tribeca on March 29, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Roommates in L.A.
Now adults, Malia and Sasha chose to live together. Michelle admitted she held back her excitement to avoid swaying their decision.
“I just said, ‘Okay, that’s interesting. We’ll see how it goes,’” she recalled. But inside, she was thrilled: “It’s the one thing you want for them.”
They moved into an L.A. apartment, decorating on a budget with finds from Ikea and yard sales. While Michelle respects their privacy, she shared glimpses in her book, The Light We Carry.
Guarding Their Privacy
Michelle revealed she’s always been honest in her writing — but when it comes to her daughters, she’s careful. She avoided sharing too many details, explaining that Malia and Sasha never asked for fame.
Before publishing, her daughters read any passages about them. Their stories weren’t meant to spark headlines, but to help others.
Despite the spotlight, the Obamas remain a tight-knit family. Malia and Sasha continue building their futures while staying grounded in their roots.
Malia Ann Obama attends the premiere of “The Heart,” 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Malia Obama: A Storyteller on the Rise
A Strong Start
Born in July 1998, Malia turned 26 in 2024. Her dad celebrated with a throwback photo and heartfelt tribute:
“One of the greatest joys of my life is watching you grow into the extraordinary woman you’ve become,” he wrote.
Even as a child, Malia impressed her parents with her thoughtful nature. She collected keychains, took drama classes, and showed early independence — waking herself up and making her bed by first grade.
Barack once said, “My 9-year-old is always coming up with remarkable things.”
A Simple Life
He shared a moment that moved him: when 6-year-old Malia asked, “Daddy, are we rich?” After hearing his answer, she said, “That’s good. I think I want to live a simple life.”
From White House to Harvard
Malia graduated from Sidwell Friends School in 2016. After a gap year, she enrolled at Harvard. Her dad joked, “They’re ready to get out — out from their parents’ house. Malia’s going off to college. She’s a grown woman.”
Hollywood Ambitions
After Harvard, Malia pursued storytelling. In 2023, she directed The Heart, a short drama. By 2024, she won the New Generation Prize at the Festival de Deauville.
Her writing also shined on television. She co-wrote episode five of Swarm, a Prime Video series by Donald Glover and Janine Nabers.
Nabers called the episode “one of the wildest” and praised Malia’s creativity. She had previously interned on Girls and worked as a production assistant on Extant.
As a staff writer on Swarm, she brought fresh perspective and professionalism.
Online Reactions
After The Heart premiered, fans praised Malia’s talents and beauty. Comments ranged from “She’s her dad’s twin” to “She’s just like Barack.” Others saw Michelle in her, saying, “She’s the perfect mix.”
Malia Obama arrives at the 50th Deauville American Film Festival on September 6, 2024, in Deauville, France. | Source: Getty Images
Sasha Obama: Confidence, Humor, and Grace
The Comedian of the Family
Born in June 2001, Sasha celebrated her 21st birthday in 2022. Barack posted a baby photo and wrote, “You’ll always be my baby girl. Look at those cheeks!”
Known for her energy and humor, Sasha once told her mom, “We are peace!” when asked to get up for school — a phrase the family still uses for quiet time.
A Life of Balance
Sasha’s childhood mixed sports, arts, and academics. She played basketball, took gymnastics, tap dance, and learned piano and tennis with Malia.
After graduating from Sidwell Friends School in 2019, she attended the University of Michigan. She later transferred to the University of Southern California, where she earned a sociology degree in May 2023.
Her family celebrated her graduation in person.
A Striking Resemblance
In birthday tribute photos, fans couldn’t help but notice how much Sasha looks like Michelle. One wrote, “So gorgeous like her mummy!” Others marveled at her transformation, calling her “absolutely stunning.”
Growing Up in the Spotlight
Michelle treasures watching her daughters grow. On The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she said spending time with them is “fun” and called them “amazing young women.”
