Elton John was awarded the National Humanities Medal by US President Joe Biden during a special event at the White House.
The Rocket Man star was invited to perform as part of the A Night When Hope and History Rhyme event on the South Lawn on Friday, after which he received the accolade.
The National Humanities Medal was presented to the musician in honour of his services to music and fundraising for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
It was an honour to perform @whitehouse and be presented by President @JoeBiden with the National Humanities Medal for my contribution to music and the work through @EJAF to end AIDS!
— Elton John (@eltonofficial) September 24, 2022
We’ve reached over 100m people with HIV and we couldn't have done it without our supporters❤️ pic.twitter.com/YiZM8eUQme
“Throughout his career, Elton found his voice – not only his voice, but his voice to help others and help them find their voice,” said the POTUS. “With his hope, he made history rhyme for countless people in our nation. That’s what tonight is all about.
“Elton often talked about how American music changed his life and how the different genres and sounds influenced his own music and imagination. It’s clear Elton John’s music has changed our lives.”
In response, Elton shared: “I just said to the First Lady: I’m never flabbergasted, but I’m flabbergasted and humbled and honoured by this incredible award from the United States of America. I will treasure this so much and it will make me double my efforts to make sure this disease goes away.
“Your kindness – America’s kindness to me as a musician is second to none. But in the war against AIDS and HIV, it’s even bigger. And I can’t thank you enough. I’m really – I’m really emotional about this. And thank you.”
Elton is currently in the US performing the North America leg of his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour, which runs through July 2023.
