Fans were full of admiration for Tina Knowles’ radiant appearance at the event, which marked Michelle Obama’s first stop on her book tour at The Theater at MGM National Harbor.
In a recent Instagram carousel, the former First Lady reflected on her meaningful conversation with Tina, where they discussed her powerful new memoir, Matriarch.”
The Instagram thread featured a series of striking photos of Michelle Obama and Tina Knowles, both exuding timeless elegance in their show-stopping ensembles. Tina turned heads in a sophisticated gown featuring sheer black sleeves, a sculpted black overlay, and a shimmering silver base that cinched perfectly at the waist. Her auburn hair cascaded in soft waves, parted to the side, and she completed the look with statement earrings and a sparkling diamond bracelet.
Michelle radiated confidence in a tailored black suit, pairing straight-leg trousers with a sharp double-breasted blazer. Her braids were styled in a sleek high ponytail, and she elevated the look with bold silver rings and coordinating earrings. Fans were quick to praise the dynamic duo, calling Tina ‘regal’ and Michelle ‘majestic.’
“WOW, Michelle is beautiful ❤️,” one fan gushed, captivated by her elegant presence. While her impeccably tailored suit stole the spotlight, viewers also took notice of her noticeably slimmer figure. “Michelle has lost weight, but she looks amazing—her height carries it so well 😍,” another admirer commented.
However, not all reactions were purely celebratory. Some expressed concern, with one viewer writing, “Wondering if Mrs. Obama is okay. She seems to be losing a lot of weight, at least to me.”
“It took me a moment to realize it was Michelle Obama — she’s lost so much weight,” one viewer remarked, echoing the wave of surprise sparked by the former First Lady’s noticeably slimmer appearance. “Mrs. Obama has lost a lot of weight,” another chimed in, fueling an ongoing mix of admiration and concern among fans.
Despite the chatter, Michelle appeared radiant and full of energy as she shared a joyful moment with Tina Knowles during their book tour event. In a video posted to Instagram, the duo is seen line dancing to “Boots on the Ground,” showcasing their chemistry and spirit. “It was such a joy speaking with @MsTinaKnowles at her first book tour stop for Matriarch,” Michelle captioned the post.
She continued with heartfelt praise: “Tina, thank you for your honesty, your humor, and your heart. Matriarch is more than a memoir — it’s a love letter to Black women, to our stories, to our families, and to the unshakeable strength that holds us all together.”
Michelle also took a moment to thank Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Ledisi for her appearance at the event, adding an extra layer of star power to the special evening. She went on to share that her candid conversation with Tina will soon be available on her podcast, In My Opinion, which she co-hosts with her brother, Craig Robinson.
“Can’t wait for you all to hear our full discussion — stay tuned,” she teased, building anticipation among fans eager for more behind-the-scenes insight.
Tina Knowles also shared her own reflections on the unforgettable evening, posting a series of photos that captured some of the night’s most powerful moments. Clearly moved, the author expressed her gratitude for sharing the stage with her “forever First Lady,” writing, “To be in conversation with her, in front of a room full of love, laughter, and powerful Black women? A dream.”
A couple of hours later, Tina shared a follow-up post, still glowing from the experience. “I’m still walking on cloud nine,” she wrote. Reflecting on the evening, she added, “We laughed, we got emotional, we joked, we danced (she even taught me a few moves), but most of all, we were honest and straightforward.” Her words captured the warmth and authenticity that defined the night.
Looking ahead, Tina shared that her next book tour stop at The Wiltern in Los Angeles will feature actress and entertainer Keke Palmer as the evening’s moderator, with a special performance by the incomparable Jennifer Hudson — promising yet another unforgettable night.
Her Matriarch tour is just getting started, with upcoming appearances planned in cities across the country. Highlights include a conversation with Tamron Hall in New Orleans, an event in Houston with Kelly Rowland, and a highly anticipated stop in Atlanta with Tyler Perry.
Tina Knowles’ memoir, Matriarch, was released on April 22, 2025, and was quickly selected as a featured pick by Oprah’s Book Club just weeks later. The powerful debut soared to #1 on The New York Times bestseller list upon its release and currently holds a strong position at #9. Fans can find signed copies at select U.S. bookstores, including Barnes & Noble and Class Bookstore, as well as online through Amazon.
Michelle and Tina’s powerful appearance came just days after the former First Lady addressed speculation about her marriage to Barack Obama during a candid interview on the May 1 episode of Diary of a CEO with host Steven Bartlett.
When Bartlett brought up the recent divorce rumors circulating in the media, Michelle responded with characteristic grace and clarity: “What I will say is, you know me well enough now, Steven, that if I were having problems with my husband, everybody would know about it.” Her calm, confident dismissal of the speculation only reinforced the authenticity and openness that fans admire.
Michelle added with a touch of humor and candor that she’s “not a martyr,” and wouldn’t quietly endure marital issues behind closed doors. “Like, well let me tell you what he did,” she laughed, suggesting she’d be the first to speak openly if something were wrong. Her brother, Craig Robinson—who joined her for the interview—lightened the moment even further, joking, “If they were having a problem, I’d be doing a podcast with him.”
