Michelle Obama has shared an emotional reflection on the deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, revealing that she and former US President Barack Obama were meant to see the couple on the very day they were found dead.
The former first lady, 61, spoke about the tragedy during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday, December 15. When asked about the Reiners, Michelle said the news was especially painful because the two couples had plans to meet that Sunday.
“We’ve known them for many, many years, and we were supposed to be seeing them that night,” Michelle told Kimmel, referring to December 14.
Rob Reiner, the acclaimed director and actor, and his wife Michele were found dead in their Los Angeles home on Sunday. Their son, Nick Reiner, 32, was arrested on Monday and charged with murder in connection with their deaths. He is currently being held without bail.
Following the tragedy, Barack Obama released a heartfelt statement on X, saying he and Michelle were “heartbroken” by the loss of their close friends. He praised Rob Reiner’s impact on film and television, describing his work as responsible for some of America’s most cherished stories.
“But beneath all of the stories he produced was a deep belief in the goodness of people—and a lifelong commitment to putting that belief into action,” Obama said. “Together, he and his wife lived lives defined by purpose.”
As investigations continue, more details surrounding the events leading up to the deaths have emerged. Multiple sources told PEOPLE that Rob Reiner and his son Nick had a heated argument at a holiday party on Saturday night, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien. Witnesses said the argument was loud and unsettling, prompting Rob and Michele to leave the gathering early.
The couple were later discovered dead in their home on Sunday afternoon, reportedly by their daughter Romy. Authorities said Nick Reiner was arrested several hours later near the University of Southern California campus.
During her TV appearance, Michelle Obama also spoke about the Reiners’ character and legacy, strongly defending them amid controversy surrounding remarks made online by former President Donald Trump. Without naming him directly, Michelle dismissed claims that the couple were “deranged,” calling them instead “decent, courageous people.”
“They were passionate people in a time when there’s not a lot of courage going on,” she said. “They cared about their family, they cared about this country, and they cared about fairness and equity.”
ALSO READ: Taylor Swift Steps Out in Style to Support Travis Kelce at Chiefs Game
