Former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama celebrated the grand opening of the Obama Presidential Center Museum alongside an A-list crowd from the worlds of politics, music, film and sports.
The star-filled audience gathered Thursday, June 18, on Chicago’s South Side for the historic event celebrating the nation’s first Black president.
“I hope this center will serve as an affirmation of just how special, how precious our democracy truly is and remind us what we can achieve when we embrace our shared responsibilities as citizens,” Obama told the audience.
Also seated on stage were former presidents Joe Biden, George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, along with former first ladies Jill Biden, Hillary Clinton, and Laura Bush.
“Every president here today, as different as we are, has tried our best to uphold values that John McCain and Mitt Romney believed in no less than I did,” President Obama continued. “It is our greatest inheritance.”
Related: Obamas Reveal First Joint Portrait at Chicago Presidential Center
In a heartfelt speech, Mrs. Obama praised her husband for maintaining his values throughout his two terms in the White House, telling him, “You outdid yourself.”
“You told me all those years ago that you couldn’t promise me the world, but you could promise me an interesting life, and of course you outdid yourself and managed to give me both,” she said.
The Obamas were joined by their daughters, Malia and Sasha, who the world watched grow up in the White House. Attendees from the entertainment world included Oprah Winfrey, Quinta Brunson, Tyler Perry, Gayle King, and Gabrielle Union, who was accompanied by her husband and retired NBA star, Dwyane Wade.
John Legend and Chicago native Common performed their Oscar-winning song “Glory” from the film Selma, with backing vocals by the United Voices of Chicago choir.
There was also an international contingent featuring politicians from other countries, including former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and U2 members Bono and The Edge. “We are here representing the Irish in Chicago and all of the world,” Bono said before performing.
The performers list included Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Vedder, Bruce Springsteen, Marc Anthony, The Roots, Stevie Wonder, and Tems.
Seated near the stage were former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, and other politicians. Obama Foundation CEO Valerie Jarrett hosted the event, and actress Marsai Martin served as a correspondent, interviewing people in the audience.
Filmmakers George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, and comedians Dave Chappelle, Stephen Colbert, and Katt Williams were spotted in the audience.
Stevie Wonder closed out the more than three-hour ceremony with a rendition of his 1973 single “Higher Ground.” You can watch the full ceremony here.
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