The announcement did not give a reason for Obama’s absence. It comes after she missed Jimmy Carter’s state funeral—where she would have been seated next to Trump. CNN reported at the time that Obama had a scheduling conflict and was “still in Hawaii on an extended holiday vacation” when the funeral took place.

Michelle Obama shared a poignant message during the build-up to President Donald Trump ’s inauguration as the former first lady decided to stay away from the festivities. Obama, whose husband Barack Obama was in attendance,