If we could join anyone's famous friend group, it would definitely be Michelle Obama [1]'s. We already know she's tight with Beyoncé [2], the British royal family [3], and Alicia Keys [4] (I mean, what more could you ask for?), but those aren't the only stars in her circle — Michelle has plenty of love to go around! From actresses to TV hosts to a former president, take a look at the celebrities who are lucky enough to call the former first lady a friend.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé and Michelle quickly forged a friendship [5] after Queen Bey had the honour of serenading the Obamas at the 2009 Inaugural Ball. The singer frequently praises the former first lady [6] for being a role model to women around the world. Meanwhile, Michelle is often spotted getting in formation at Beyoncé's concerts [7].
Oprah
Michelle and Oprah go way back [8]. Like, when Barack was just a senator from Illinois back. In a 2011 behind-the-scenes clip from The Oprah Winfrey [9] Show, the OWN founder opened up about her friendship with Michelle, saying, "I consider myself to be a friend of the first lady and the president." While Barack was president, Michelle made multiple appearances on Oprah's show [10] and Oprah even interviewed her [11] for O magazine.
And we're glad to see they're still close! Not only did Oprah help Michelle kick off her Becoming book tour [12] in late 2018, but during the author's November 2018 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Michelle revealed that she and Oprah text all the time. [13]
The Royal Family
Ever since the Obamas first visited Queen Elizabeth II [14] in 2009, the couple have become close friends of the British royal family. Michelle seems to have especially bonded with the queen [15], and in Becoming, she described the monarch as "smart, funny and honest." She also revealed that Barack is a "huge fan" and that she reminds him a lot of his own grandmother, Toot.
Alicia Keys
Alicia and Michelle have a history of supporting each other during important career moments. In 2015, the former first lady presented the singer [16] with the Grammys on the Hill Recording Artists' Coalition Award, and most recently, Michelle supported Alicia [17] when she hosted the 2019 Grammys. "A big part of friendship is showing up for your girls — that's why I was thrilled to be there for the one and only @aliciakeys at the #GRAMMYs," Michelle tweeted. "She is one of the most genuine and thoughtful people I know — there's no one better to help us all celebrate the unifying power of music!"
Eva Longoria
The actress became friends with Michelle after serving as a co-chairwoman on Barack's presidential campaign [18]. Eva has been a longtime supporter of the Obamas, and later this May, she will joining her friend [19] for College Signing Day at UCLA to "celebrate the pursuit of higher education."
Sarah Jessica Parker
Just like Eva, Sarah has also been a longtime fan of the Obamas, and through her continued support, she and Michelle forged a friendship. In 2012, the actress hosted a fundraiser dinner for Barack [20] at her NYC home, and most recently, Sarah served as a moderator during the Brooklyn stop of Michelle's Becoming [21] book tour.
Gayle King
During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen in December 2018, the news anchor opened up about her close relationship with Michelle [25]. "I've certainly followed her and Barack — I consider them friends," Gayle said, revealing that she attended one of Barack's inauguration balls in 2009.
Tracee Ellis Ross
Even though Michelle and Tracee are on a texting basis [26], she still can't bring herself to call the former first lady by her first name. "I want to curtsy!" Tracee joked when she and Michelle attended the 2018 United State of Women summit in LA. Tracee also hosted one of Michelle's stops on her Becoming book tour, and the author later thanked her [27] on Twitter, writing, "Thank you to @TraceeEllisRoss for bringing the laughs and to each and every one of you for being a part of this incredible journey."
George W. Bush
George and Michelle have always had nothing but good things to say about each other [28], and the former president is often seen passing candy to Michelle [29] at public events. Even though they don't always agree on things, Michelle previously told NBC that George is a "beautiful [30], funny, kind, sweet man."