Malia and Sasha Obama steal the show in Chicago

Daniel David June 19, 2026 3 minutes read

For the first time in years, Malia and Sasha Obama stood together in public. The two sisters joined their parents at the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. It took place on Thursday, June 18.

For the Obama family, the day stood out. Notably, Malia and Sasha have largely stayed out of the spotlight since leaving the White House in 2017. Even so, their appearance together drew attention well beyond the ceremony itself.

Two distinct Obama styles

The sisters showed up dressed in completely different directions. Malia wore a light gray blazer coat with a matching skirt and gray pointed-toe pumps. Her hair was down in braids and soft waves. By contrast, Sasha took a different approach. She wore a white off-the-shoulder top and an ankle-length skirt, both wrapped around her body in an asymmetric way. A large brown leather belt with an ornate clasp pulled the look together. She added earrings, rings and heeled sandals with beaded straps. Her hair was back in a ponytail.

Inside the Obama Presidential Center

The new 19-acre campus sits in Jackson Park on Chicago’s South Side, near John Lewis Plaza. It includes a museum, event and concert spaces, public park areas and a branch of the Chicago Public Library. Furthermore, the opening ceremony drew some of the biggest names in music and politics. Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Bono and Jennifer Hudson all performed. Joe and Jill Biden, Bill and Hillary Clinton, and George W. and Laura Bush attended as well.

Michelle Obama honors her daughters

During her address, Michelle took a personal moment to speak directly to Malia and Sasha. She described them as brilliant and beautiful young women who have built their own lives in the world. Michelle also praised them for the joy, spirit and energy they brought to a public life they never chose for themselves. It was one of the most personal moments of the night.

What Malia and Sasha Obama have been up to

Malia, now 27, has built a career in the entertainment industry. She has worked on projects with actor and musician Donald Glover. Additionally, she made her debut as a film director. The Heart screened at the Toronto, Telluride and Sundance film festivals. The film explores themes of loss, loneliness and forgiveness.

Meanwhile, Sasha, who turned 25 earlier this year, has taken a quieter path. She has mostly stayed out of public view. One of her more recent appearances came alongside her father at the NBA All-Star Game. Barack marked her 25th birthday on social media, noting what a joy it has been to watch her grow into the person she is today.

The sisters were 10 and 7 when their father won the presidency in 2008. Malia was 18 and Sasha was 15 when the family left the White House. Thursday’s appearance offered a glimpse of who they have become since then.

SOURCE: ELLE