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Former President Barack Obama gave former first lady Michelle Obama a helping hand as they scaled the steps of ancient site The Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

Barack Obama, 61, was pictured caressing Michelle’s buttocks as he helped her up the steps during their tourist visit on Wednesday. The former first lady wore a khaki jumpsuit and white cardigan. Her husband wore his usual uniform of white chinos, sneakers and a casual button down shirt.

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The couple’s children, Malia, 24, and Sasha, 22, accompanied them to Athens for an Obama Foundation event.

The Obama Foundation is hosting leaders from across Africa, Asia-Pacific and Europe for a week-long leadership and cultural conference that includes workshops and “building meaningful connections,” according to the Foundation’s website.

In a tweet posted on Tuesday, the former President said “Michelle and I started the @ObamaFoundation to support the next generation of leaders creating sustainable change in their communities. This week, I’ll be joining our Obama Leaders in Greece where we’ll share ideas and dive deeper into the work they’re doing.”

There have been rumors that the Obamas were living in separate households.

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During a sit-down interview with Revolt TV in December 2022, Michelle Obama said she “couldn’t stand” Barack for a 10 year period early on in their marriage.

Michelle suggested that his inattention to her and their daughters – while running for president – made the marriage unbearable for her. She was left to do all of the heavy lifting at home by herself.

“People think I’m being catty by saying this — it’s like, there were 10 years where I couldn’t stand my husband,” Michelle said. “And guess when it happened? When those kids were little.”

“We’re trying to build our careers and, you know, worrying about school and who’s doing what and what, I was like, ‘Ugh, this isn’t even,'” she recalled. “And guess what? Marriage isn’t 50/50, ever, ever.”