NEWS

A Tearful President Barack Obama Thanked Michelle in His Emotional Farewell Address

Even Malia cried.


GettyImages-631435050.jpg
Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/TNS/Getty Images

For eight years, President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama have led by example as a strong, loving, and supportive couple and parents, not to mention as public servants. On Tuesday night, during Obama’s farewell address to the nation, the couple shared with Americans yet another emotional moment in their love story.

After discussing a range of topics from social media to racism to the power of change, Obama turned his attention to those who supported, helped and bolstered his rise in politics. Rightfully, his wife and beloved First Lady was at the top of the list. He extolled the qualities which he and the nation admired about her and labeled her his “best friend:”

Michelle, for the past 25 years, you’ve been not only my wife and mother of my children, but my best friend. You took on a role you didn’t ask for and made it your own with grace and grit and style and good humor. You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. And a new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. You’ve made me proud. You’ve made the country proud.

As the audience stood on their feet to give the First Lady a standing ovation, the camera cut back to show Obama wiping tears from his eyes.

Even Malia Obama was shown crying throughout her father’s address, getting the most emotional when he addressed her mother.

Of course, Obama also addressed his children, Sasha and Malia:

“Malia and Sasha, under the strangest of circumstances, you have become two amazing young women, smart and beautiful, but more importantly, kind and thoughtful and full of passion. You wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. Of all that I’ve done in my life, I’m most proud to be your dad.”

Uncle Joe, of course, wasn’t forgotten. The president saluted his vice president Joe Biden, who responded with typical flair, unleashing a point-and-wink move without missing a beat.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address: A Stunning Photo Essay from Chicago

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.

President Barack Obama’s Farewell Address in McCormick Place in Chicago.

Photo by Nolis Anderson.
1/30

If You’re Worried About Trump, Don’t Worry: We Will Survive. Just Take it From Emma Stone, Natalie Portman, Amy Adams, and More Stars Sing “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor

Emma Stone, Natalie Portman, Amy Adams, and More Stars of the Year’s Best Films Get Really, Really Into “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor