Barack and Michelle Obama’s 2 Daughters: All About Malia and Sasha (and Why One Recently Dropped Her Last Name)

Barack and Michelle Obama’s Daughters: Exploring Malia and Sasha’s Journey

Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have two daughters: Malia and Sasha. Malia was born in 1998, while Sasha came along in 2001. Growing up, they spent their early years in Chicago before transitioning to life in the White House when Barack was elected as the 44th President of the United States. They resided in the White House from 2009 to 2017.

During an interview with PEOPLE in December 2011, Michelle shared that Malia and Sasha adapted well to life in the White House and have continued to maintain a strong sisterly bond into their adult years. Barack has expressed immense pride in seeing his daughters grow into remarkable young women, noting that there is no greater joy for him than witnessing their development.

Both Malia and Sasha have completed their college education, with Malia even going a step further by dropping her last name professionally, now going by Malia Ann. Despite their upbringing in the public eye, both daughters are focused on crafting their own identities and careers without leveraging the Obama name.

Malia Obama, who was born on July 4, 1998, in Chicago, is known for her wisdom and thoughtfulness from a young age. Her creative pursuits led her to work in the TV industry, including internships on popular shows and even venturing into writing and directing her own short film called “The Heart,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival under the name Malia Ann in 2024.

Barack Obama has shared anecdotes about Malia’s upbringing, highlighting her strong character and unique perspectives. He described her as someone who embraces life and conversations with unending curiosity, qualities that have guided her through her educational and professional journey.

Sasha Obama, born on June 10, 2001, in Chicago, has been known for her confidence and determination, often standing firm in her beliefs and opinions. Her diverse interests in sports, dance, and music have shaped her into a well-rounded individual, drawing praise from her parents for her sense of humor and intelligence.

Both Malia and Sasha have ventured out on their own paths, with Sasha recently graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in sociology. Michelle Obama shared her pride in seeing her daughters take on adulthood, navigate relationships, and create their own spaces, including moving into an apartment together in Los Angeles.

As the Obama sisters continue to make their mark in the world, they remain grounded in their shared experiences growing up in the White House. Michelle and Barack Obama have emphasized the importance of their daughters’ privacy and autonomy, acknowledging the challenges of balancing their public personas with their personal lives.

In celebrating Sasha’s accomplishments and milestones, including her recent birthday in June 2025, the Obamas radiate with pride and admiration for the young women Malia and Sasha have become. Their journey from the White House to independent adulthood is a testament to resilience, grace, and the unbreakable bond of sisterhood.