'I'm never flabbergasted, but I'm flabbergasted,' a visibly moved Elton John said.
By Shawna Mizelle and Sam Fossum, CNN President Joe Biden on Friday presented Sir Elton John with the National Humanities Medal, surprising the music icon following a performance on the South Lawn of the White House.
"As Jill just mentioned, we're joined by so many people that ... he's set free to be themselves, to be treated with dignity and respect they deserve. Families and advocates in the fight against HIV/AIDS. A fight that he has led with sheer will, a fight for those lives lost and those lives we can save. Leaders standing up for equality of all people, no matter who you are, or who you love," the President said.
Speaking in between songs, John addressed former first lady Laura Bush, who was also in attendance, acknowledging former President George W. Bush's"astonishing" work on the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which he started while in office and is credited with changing the trajectory of the HIV/AIDS crisis around the world.
The night had moments of levity, such as when John lightened the mood as he took the stage, joking,"I don't know what to say. What a dump," drawing laughs from attendees. And it also drew emotion, including when Biden could been seen wiping tears as John sang,"Crocodile Rock."
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