Michelle Obama is the world's most admired woman, according to YouGov's recent poll of 42,000 people across 41 countries.
The former first lady has seen her popularity skyrocket since leaving the White House in 2017. Her memoir Becoming is on track to become one of the "biggest-selling autobiographies ever." Her publisher said in March that they've sold 10 million copies already since releasing it in November.
She continues to comment on political issues and pay her success forward through charities across the world.
Next Tuesday, I'll host our 5th anniversary #BeatingTheOdds Summit with @ReachHigher. This event has introduced me to so many incredible students, including Darius Wesley, who overcame so much to become the first college graduate in his family. Can’t wait to see him again! pic.twitter.com/2C3nn7hWhy
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) July 17, 2019
On Friday, she commented on President Trump's repeated attacks against Rep. Ilhan Omar and other congresswomen of color.
What truly makes our country great is its diversity. I’ve seen that beauty in so many ways over the years. Whether we are born here or seek refuge here, there’s a place for us all. We must remember it’s not my America or your America. It’s our America.
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) July 19, 2019
The former first lady was followed in the poll by another Black icon, billionaire Oprah Winfrey, who came in second ahead of Angelina Jolie, who had the top spot last year.
World's Most Admired 2019: for the first time in our annual series Angelina Jolie is not the world's most admired woman. Michelle Obama takes that honour in this year's 41 country study. Bill Gates remains the world's most admired man. https://t.co/hY0K2Vf8F9
pic.twitter.com/Yo29rZM1g6— YouGov (@YouGov) July 18, 2019
Worlds Most Admired 2019. Our annual series, conducted this year in 41 countries, finds the most admired figures are:
Woman
1. Michelle Obama (+1)
2. Oprah Winfrey (+1)
3. Angelina Jolie (-2)Man
1. Bill Gates (-)
2. Barack Obama (-)
3. Jackie Chan (-)https://t.co/hY0K2Vf8F9
pic.twitter.com/54m4A3H9hu— YouGov (@YouGov) July 18, 2019
The British research firm released its poll on Thursday and said it was the largest they had ever done. Queen Elizabeth II came in fourth, followed by British actress Emma Watson.
Former President Barack Obama came in second for the second year in a row behind Bill Gates — the world's second-richest man at a net worth of $96.5 billion. Gates has topped every survey YouGov has ever held.
The rest of the male top five is dominated by major Chinese figures, with movie legend Jackie Chan, President Xi Jinping and billionaire Jack Ma coming third, fourth and fifth.
