variety.com
24.09.2022 / 05:17
President Biden Surprises Teary Elton John With National Humanities Medal at White House Concert
Rebecca Rubin Film and Media Reporter Sir Elton John was moved to tears as President Joe Biden surprised the enduring music icon with a National Humanities Medal. John, at the White House on Friday to perform at A+E and History’s “A Night When Hope and History Rhyme,” looked visibly shocked and humbled as the president addressed the thousands in the audience. “Tonight is my great honor, and I mean this sincerely, to present the National Humanities Medal to Sir Elton John,” Biden said. A White House officer elaborated on John’s contributions, saying, “The President of the United States awards this National Humanities Medal to Sir Elton John for moving our souls with his powerful voice, one of the defining songbooks of all time. An enduring icon and advocate with absolute courage, who found purpose to challenge convention, shatter stigma and advance a simple truth: that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”