President Biden surprises Teary Elton John with the National Humanities Medal during a concert at the White House

Sir Elton John was moved to tears when President Joe Biden surprised the music icon sustainability with a national humanities medal.

John, at the White House Friday to play A+E and History's "A Night When Hope and History Rhyme," looked visibly shocked and humbled as the President addressed the thousands in attendance. "Tonight it is my great honor, and I say this sincerely, to present the National Medal of Humanities to Sir Elton John,” Biden said.

A White House officer elaborated on John's contributions, saying, "The President of United States awards this National Humanities Medal to Sir Elton John for stirring our souls with his mighty voice, one of the defining songbooks of all time. An enduring icon and advocate with absolute courage, who has found a purpose to challenge convention, break down stigma, and advance a simple truth: that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect."

It was a bipartisan night on the South Lawn of the White House, which was filled with teachers , first responders and veterans, as well as Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, former First Lady Laura Bush and her daughter Jenna Bush Hager, Anna Kendrick, activist Malala Yousafzai and tennis legend Billie Jean King. Paul Buccieri, Chairman of the Board of A+E Networks, opened the evening by welcoming guests to the White House.

During the lively evening, John received a total of seven standing ovations as he delighted the crowd with some of his greatest hits, including "Tiny Dancer", "Rocket Man", "Your Song" and "I'm Still Standing".

John spoke throughout the night about advocacy and the work he has been doing since the founding the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1991, adding that he wants to eradicate the disease by 2030. "We can do it, and we will," he said defiantly.

He also thanked George W. Bush, who was not present, for his "amazing work "to accelerate the fight against HIV and AIDS. He addressed the wife of the former president saying, “President Bush sped it all up with his PEPFAR bill. We never would have gotten this far without President Bush – tell him for me, give him a big hug. I just wish America could be more bipartisan on everything. »

"The AIDS epidemic", he mentioned earlier in the night, " has always been bipartisan in America. I can't tell you how many times I've called out [United States Senator] Lindsey Graham. And to his credit, he always got away with it."

Past recipients of the National Medal for the Humanities, a recognition given to individuals whose work "deepens the nation's understanding of the humanities, expanded our citizens' engagement with the humanities, or helped preserve and expand Americans' access to important resources in the humanities," include National Public Radio host Terry Gross , chef José Andrés and Elie Wiesel.

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