The grand opening of former President Barack Obama’s presidential center in Chicago was a who’s who of American influence.
The guest list at the Obama Presidential Center included former presidents, world leaders, and some of the biggest names in entertainment.
The 20-acre campus on Chicago’s South Side, which cost $850 million in total and includes a public library, playground, and sports facilities, commemorates Obama’s presidency from 2009 to 2017.
Among those in attendance on Thursday were former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, and Tom Hanks.
Here’s a look at some of the notable guests who attended.
Several music legends were in attendance, with Bruce Springsteen among those who performed.
Obama and Springsteen have been friends for years. After Obama left the White House, the pair cohosted the podcast “Renegades: Born in the USA” and later collaborated on a book.
Christina Aguilera sang at the opening.
The singer gave a rendition of Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World.”
Jennifer Hudson performed the national anthem.
Hudson grew up in Chicago, making the opening a homecoming for the EGOT-winning singer, actor, and talk show host.
Bono and U2’s The Edge were part of the line-up.
Bono and U2 performed for Obama at his inauguration celebration in 2009.
And Stevie Wonder joined an all-star performance.
Wonder also performed at Obama’s inaugural celebration in 2009 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from him in 2014.
At Thursday’s opening ceremony, he joined Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Common, and The Roots for a group performance.
Three late-night television legends were there.
David Letterman, Stephen Colbert, and Conan O’Brien all attended the opening ceremony.
NBA legend Dwayne Wade was spotted at the opening.
Wade, a three-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, was at the opening with his wife, actor Gabrielle Union.
Four former presidents gathered for a photo.
The opening brought together four former presidents: Obama, Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.
The creator of Star Wars, George Lucas, was among the Hollywood heavyweights in Chicago.
Lucas is a major donor to the Obama Foundation, which oversaw construction of the presidential center.
Steven Spielberg was there, too.
Spielberg, one of Hollywood’s most influential filmmakers, is a longtime friend of Obama. He was also named one of the honorees of the Obama Presidential Center.
Tyler Perry joined the Hollywood billionaires in attendance.
Perry built a fortune through his Madea franchise and Tyler Perry Studios, helping him amass an estimated net worth of $1.4 billion, according to Forbes.
In the past, he has hosted fundraisers for Obama.
Tom Hanks brought some Hollywood star power to the opening.
Obama awarded Hanks the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
One of Obama’s earliest supporters was also there: Oprah Winfrey.
Winfrey, an honoree of the Obama Presidential Center, endorsed Obama before he had even declared his candidacy for president. She has remained one of his longest-standing and most influential supporters.
At the center of it all was the Obama family.
The former president was joined by his wife, Michelle, and daughters, Malia and Sasha, to celebrate the opening of the project, which has been in the works since he left the White House.
Read the full article here
