Malia Obama, Sasha Obama Make Rare Joint Appearance
Malia Obama, Sasha Obama Make Rare Joint Appearance at Dad Barack Obama's Presidential Center Opening
Malia Obama and Sasha Obama put their family first.
The former first daughters stepped out for a rare public event on June 18, when they attended the opening of their dad Barack Obama’s presidential center in Chicago, Ill.
For the occasion, Malia, 27, rocked a plunging, cinched blazer over a pencil skirt while Sasha, 25, donned a white knit dress with a statement belt. Their mother Michelle Obama, 62, accompanied them, sporting a striped summer suit.
Ahead of the event, the former president, 64, discussed his goals for the center, saying he hopes it “reminds people not of the past, but reminds people of what's inside all of us.”
“We all have the capacity for empathy,” he told Today’s Craig Melvin in an interview aired June 18. “We all have the capacity for looking out for each other. We all have the capacity to feel a civic responsibility to make sure our government works.”
As Obama has settled into life after the presidency, his family has been busy pursuing their own endeavors, with Malia and Sasha starting careers in the entertainment industry. Malia has done some directing work, making her directorial debut with The Heart, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2024. Meanwhile, Sasha reportedly served as a casting interviewer for the show Couples Therapy.
And although they have stepped out with their parents on occasion, the siblings have mostly kept out of the spotlight. The elder Obama sister even opted to change her last name for movie projects, adopting the moniker Malia Ann.
Kent NISHIMURA / AFP via Getty Images
Indeed, their desire to maintain their privacy is well-known, with the former president previously revealing that they try to avoid photographers as much as they can.
"There's been some paparazzi stuff going on, and it drives them nuts," he explained on an October 2024 episode of The Pivot Podcast. “Because their attitude is, ‘We're not looking for all that.'"
Read on to see how the Obama sisters have evolved through the years…
AbacaPress / SplashNews.com
College Bound
After taking a gap year, Malia is enjoying her college years at the prestigious Harvard University. As for little sis Sasha, she is enrolled at the University of Michigan.
picture alliance / Contributor / GETTY IMAGES
End of an Era
The Obama family don their finest ensembles for their final Christmas card in the White House.
Boston Globe / Contributor / GETTY IMAGES
Air Force Wonderful
The sisters stick close to their respective parents while arriving in Martha's Vineyard for a weekend getaway in 2016.
© Pete Souza/The White House/ZUMAPRESS.com
Star Struck
Malia flashes her little sis an approving thumbs up while she earned some one-on-one time with none other than Ryan Reynolds at their first state dinner in 2016.
AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
Rain, Rain Go Away
Upon touching down in Cuba in 2016, the Obama ladies look more than ready for their historic trip.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
All Grown Up
Former President Barack Obama's little girls prove they're not so little anymore while arriving at the 2015 turkey pardoning over the Thanksgiving holiday.
AP Photo/Luigi Costantini
That's Amore
Malia and Sasha join their extremely accomplished mama on a trip to Italy in 2015.
Everett Collection
Mama's Girls
The three Obama women cuddled closely for an adorable snapshot taken while visiting the Great Wall of China in 2014.
JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images
Come On, Dad
The teenagers begrudgingly carry on the Turkey Day tradition in 2013.
AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais
Purple Reign
The pair rock matching purple coats for their father's second inauguration ceremony after the 2012 presidential election.
SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images
Hello, America!
Right before delivering his 2012 acceptance speech, Obama graces the stage with the three most important women in his life.
AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta
Happy Holidays
Malia, Sasha and Michelle kick off the 2012 holiday season with the epic delivery of their 19-foot Christmas tree.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
There's Our Guy
The 2012 Democratic National Convention brought the pair and their mama together in celebration of Obama's nomination.
Mike Theiler-Pool/Getty Images
Jingle Bells
The 2011 Christmas in Washington gala wouldn't be complete without an appearance from its most high-profile residents.
Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Together for the Holidays
TNT's Christmas in Washington event in 2010 brings the family together yet again.
Kent Nishimura-Pool/Getty ImagesBrooks Kraft LLC/Corbis via Getty Images
Gobble, Gobble
The sisters are all smiles at their first-ever turkey pardoning event at the White House in 2009.
GETTY IMAGES
All Together Now
Malia and Sasha lovingly wrap their arms around their ‘rents for the official family portrait in 2009.
Kent Nishimura-Pool/Getty Images
Rest and Relaxation
As is the tradition in the Obama family, the trio enjoys Christmas 2008 in Hawaii.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
Meet the Obamas
The nation was introduced to the Obama girls early on during the 2008 presidential election.
Charles Ommanney/Getty Images
Father-Daughter
A young Malia shares a bonding moment with her proud pops while on the campaign trail in 2007.
Scott Olson/Getty Images
Humble Beginnings
When the White House was just a twinkle in this foursome's eyes, Obama's 2004 Senate run delivered this precious picture.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
What's Your Reaction?
Like
0
Dislike
0
Love
0
Funny
0
Wow
0
Sad
0
Angry
0
Comments (0)