President Biden surprised Elton John on Friday night (September 23rd) by awarding him the prestigious National Humanities Medal for his decades in helping rid the world of AIDS through his Elton John AIDS Foundation. Rolling Stone reported the “Rocket Man” was on hand at the White House to perform a mini-set on the South Lawn for an event titled A Night When Hope And History Rhyme, which was produced in connection with both with A&E Networks and The History Channel.
President Biden and the First Lady Jill Biden appeared on stage at the end of Elton's set and surprised him with the honor, which a tearful Elton accepted from Biden who placed the medal around the songwriting legend's neck.
The dedication was read as Biden officially awarded Elton the honor: “The President of the United States awards this National Humanities Medal to Sir Elton John for moving our souls with his powerful voice, one of the defining songbooks of all time. An enduring icon and advocate with absolute courage, who found purpose to challenge convention, shatter stigma and advance a simple truth: that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”