Former President Barack Obama opened his long-awaited presidential center with a star-studded celebration that drew some of Hollywood’s biggest names.
The star-studded guest list underscored Obama’s enduring influence beyond politics. Actors, musicians, athletes and public figures joined the former president to celebrate the opening of the center, which will house a museum, public gathering spaces and programs aimed at developing future generations of leaders.
Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera and Bono were all slated to perform at the dedication ceremony.
Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Rita Wilson, John Legend and Chrissy Teigen were among the high-profile guests who joined Barack Obama in Chicago for the opening of his presidential center.
OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER TO ADD AUTOGRAPHED MUHAMMAD ALI BOXING GLOVES
Here’s a look at the stars who attended:
Oprah Winfrey was known as one Obama’s earliest celebrity supporters during his 2008 presidential campaign. After endorsing him for president, Winfrey campaigned with Obama in key primary states and hosted fundraisers.
Steven Spielberg is known as one of Obama’s most important supporters.
Over time, the relationship between the filmmaker and politician evolved into a genuine friendship. Spielberg has participated in Obama-related events and was among the prominent guests celebrating the opening of the Obama Presidential Center. Obama has also visited Spielberg personally, including a surprise visit to one of his film sets.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson have been consistent supporters of former President Obama.
Obama also awarded Hanks the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen have developed a genuine friendship with the Obamas over the years.
The couple attended White House events during Obama’s presidency and have maintained ties with the politician and his family afterward. Reports have described them as part of the Obamas’ broader circle of celebrity friends.
OBAMA CHOOSES SUPPORTER STEPHEN COLBERT FOR DEBUT INTERVIEW AT CONTROVERSIAL PRESIDENTIAL CENTER
Tyler Perry was a significant supporter of Obama during the former president’s re-election campaign. The filmmaker hosted major fundraising events throughout this time and later built a personal friendship with the politician.
Conan O’Brien’s relationship with Obama is less political and more media-oriented.
Obama appeared on Conan’s late-night show before becoming president and later joined Conan’s podcast, “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” for a lengthy discussion after leaving office.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER
LL Cool J’s connection to Obama stems primarily from cultural and civic engagement.
During Obama’s presidency, LL Cool J participated in White House events and initiatives that highlighted arts, education and community service. He was among a group of entertainers who frequently collaborated with Obama-era outreach efforts.
LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
The center, located near where Obama lived and began his political career, is expected to attract more than 1 million visitors annually.
The campus includes a towering museum that covers the political and personal realms of the nation’s first Black president and first lady, while public spaces include a branch of the Chicago Public Library, a playground and athletic center, basketball courts and a picnic area with grills.
The tower’s design is meant to depict four hands coming together in solidarity. Wrapped around one side are 5-foot concrete capital letters, an excerpt of Obama’s 2015 speech commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery march. It begins, “You are America.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
