Michelle Obama reveals what the 'truth is' about Barack Obama marriage

Barack and Michelle Obama are sharing why their marriage just works.

The former president and first lady, coming off the historic opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, are opening up about their lasting bond and time in the White House. Reflecting on their 33-year partnership, Michelle Obama described the couple as "each other's counterbalance."

"The truth is, I probably would have been someone who stayed more put," she told People in an interview published Tuesday, June 24. "I think I would have had a beautiful life here, but it would have been smaller. But because of who my husband is, he offered all of us – our girls, my mom, my family – a broader sense of what's possible in life."

She credits the former commander-in-chief with making her life feel fuller.

"He made me think more broadly about what I could do with this Harvard law degree besides be a lawyer. He gave me the courage," she continued. "He was my ballast. He was like, 'I got you.' And however hard it's been, the ups and downs, he's got me."

For his part, Barack Obama's life is simply richer with Michelle in it, even three decades later.

"Just being with her made me better, and she still does. And that she would [give] our kids a foundation that would pay off for them," he said. "That's in fact what's happened. And she grounds and anchors me. It's worked out a'ight."

Michelle and Barack Obama on Sasha and Malia's White House days, getting older

Remembering their time in the White House, the couple revealed that their daughters, Sasha and Malia Obama, lived in the White House longer than in any other home. And Michelle Obama noted that Malia, who shares her birthday with the United States, had her parties at the White House's July Fourth celebrations.

The pair also reflected on getting older. Barack Obama, the White House's former resident point guard, said his days of pickup basketball may be coming to an end.

"We can have some shooting contests," he said of the presidential center's new basketball court. "I am not running up and down that court because I want to protect my knees and my Achilles. I don't want to pop nothing."

He added some praise for his wife maintaining her physical condition. "Michelle is way ahead of me on the whole stretching and flexibility tip."

Michelle later teased her husband about his graying hair.

"I mean, look, I don't look as good as her, but I feel great," Barack said, to which Michelle added, "Of course you do. It's because you don't dye your hair. You could have made the choice." But Barack insisted: "Yeah, it's too much trouble."

Obama Presidential Center grand opening featured star-studded event

The Obama Presidential Center – a privately operated 19-acre campus on Chicago's South Side, is home to a Chicago Public Library branch, a playground, a sledding hill, a cafe and restaurant, an athletic center, community spaces and a ticketed museum – held its grand opening event a day before Juneteenth on Thursday, June 18.

The celebration brought out Hollywood legends and entertainment's biggest stars, many of whom are friends of the Obamas, as well as former presidents Joe Biden, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.