The Benefits of Being Good
Obama Sings ‘Happy Birthday’ to Malia on Independence Day
July 5, 2016
Last Updated: July 5, 2016
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 4: President Barack Obama sings "Happy Birthday" to his daughter Malia Obama at the Fourth of July White House party on July 4, 2016 in Washington, DC. Maila Obama celebrated her 18th birthday during the party, which featured guests including singers Janelle Monae and Kendrick Lamar. (Photo by Aude Guerrucci-Pool/Getty Images)
This July 4 saw a special celebratory moment at the White House.
During President Obama’s last July Fourth celebration before he leaves office, he sang “Happy Birthday” to Malia, who turned 18 on Independence Day.
“And just because it’s a job of a father to embarrass his daughters, I’ve got one last job,” President Obama said at the end of his speech to hundreds gathered in the East Room due to the shower outside.
“It just so happens that we celebrate our country’s birthday on the same day that we celebrate my oldest daughter’s birthday,” Obama continued. He then proceeded to sing to his daughter, leading the audience to do the same.
Touched by the heartwarming act, Malia came on stage to give her father a hug.
President Barack Obama and his daughter Malia on her 18th birthday during an Independence Day Celebration for military members and administration staff in the East Room of the White House. (MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images)Artists were on stage with Obama as well, including Kendrick Lamar and Janelle Monáe. They performed earlier in the evening for the Obamas.
“We want you back, Mr. President! We don’t want you to leave,” Monáe said to the Commander-in-Chief.
Watch a snippet of the celebration below.