Barack Obama shares sweet message from Michelle before his inauguration absence

Barack Obama celebrate your first lady forever Michelle Obama.

The former president paid a sweet tribute to his wife on her 61st birthday, just days after the couple's representatives confirmed she would not attend the president-elect. Donald Trumpduring the inauguration alongside her husband.

“Happy birthday to the love of my life,” Barack wrote in an Instagram post from January 17including a photo of the couple holding hands on a dining table. “You fill every room with warmth, wisdom, humor and grace – and you look good doing it. I am so lucky to be able to experience life's adventures with you. I love you!”

Michelle, who married Barack in 1992, couldn't help but gush over her husband's sweet message, commenting alongside a kiss emoji: “I love you, baby! “

And while Michelle, who shares daughters Maybe Obama26, and Sacha Obama23 years old, with Barack – is happy to be at Barack's side in life, she chose to give up standing by his side during the inauguration on January 20.