FLOTUS Michelle Obama graces the December cover of Vogue

Whether she's giving her first lady successor a tour of the White House or fielding pleas to run for office in 2020, Michelle Obama hasn't been far from the spotlight recently.

And now, as the end of her time in the White House nears, she's opening up about her eight years as first lady in the December issue of Vogue.

Photographed by acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz, FLOTUS looks effortlessly flawless on the cover in a stunning Carolina Herrera dress.

Credit: Annie Leibovitz / Vogue

We're not surprised she looks so gorgeous. For starters, just look at her style evolution through the years:

As for handing over the first lady baton, don't get her wrong, Mrs. Obama (who tells Vogue she often referred to herself as "Mom in chief") will miss the White House (particularly the breathtaking view) -- but she's also ready to move on.

"I think our democracy has it exactly right: two terms, eight years. It's enough. Because it's important to have one foot in reality when you have access to this kind of power," she affirms.

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Credit: Annie Leibovitz / Vogue

During those two terms, Mrs. Obama left her mark -- showing support for military families, promoting healthy eating among children and launching two education initiatives, Reach Higher and Let Girls Learn.

As her husband, President Barack Obama, puts it, "Michelle never asked to be First Lady. Like a lot of political spouses, the role was thrust upon her. But I always knew she'd be incredible at it, and put her own unique stamp on the job. That's because who you see is who she is—the brilliant, funny, generous woman who, for whatever reason, agreed to marry me."

PHOTOS: Romantic moments between President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama

For more, read the full cover story right here and look out for the issue on newsstands 11/22!