Sir Elton was presented with the National Humanities Medal

Sir Elton John and husband David Furnish were hosted by President Joe Biden and the First Lady Dr. Jill Biden as part of A Night When Hope and History Rhyme event, organized in collaboration with The History Channel and A+E Networks. The pair were presented with the National Humanities Medal.

The President and First Lady honored Sir Elton’s remarkable musical and philanthropic legacy, and celebrated the healing power of music to an audience of everyday history makers including teachers and students, nurses, LGBTQ+ advocates, military families, mental health advocates, and more.

John delighted the audience by playing several of his smash hits including “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocketman,” and “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” on the White House South Lawn, before the President and First Lady surprised him by presenting him with the National Humanities Medal.

“I’m honored to receive the National Humanities Medal from President Biden and the First Lady during such a spectacular event at the White House,” John shares. “It’s been emotional for me to be recognized for the achievements of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Since I founded the Foundation at my kitchen table in Atlanta 30 years ago, I made a commitment not to leave anyone behind and will continue on this mission. We are striving for a future where people of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, and gender identities have the opportunity to live free from AIDS, stigma, injustice and maltreatment – and I’m so grateful recognition likes this brings us a step closer to making that a reality.”

“It’s on us to make the world a better, more equal place, and Elton is someone who truly walks the walk,” states Furnish, Chairman of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. “He is so deserving of the National Humanities Medal through his constant advocacy for equality throughout his career and through the Elton John AIDS foundation. We’re so thankful to the History Channel, A+E Networks and the Biden administration for giving us such an impactful platform to help us meet the urgent needs of people at risk of – and living with -HIV and AIDS.”

“It’s so gratifying to see our inspirational founder, Sir Elton John, being honored this evening at the White House. With the support of our partners, we will continue to find innovative ways to bring access, agency, care, and justice to those who need it most,” adds, Anne Aslett, CEO of the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

The Elton John AIDS Foundation was established in 1992 and is one of the leading independent AIDS organizations in the world. The Foundation’s mission is to end the AIDS epidemic. The Elton John AIDS Foundation is committed to overcome the stigma, discrimination and neglect that keeps us from ending AIDS. With the mobilization of our network of generous supporters and partners, the organization funds local experts across four continents to challenge discrimination, prevent infections and provide treatment as well as influencing governments to end AIDS.

With an unparalleled career that redefined the cultural landscape and saw over 300 million albums sold, John is — after two years of COVID interruptions — back on stage. John embarked on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in September 2018 – its milestone, multi-year itinerary comprising over 300 shows across five continents. Currently on the road in North America, John will perform his final concert on US soil at Los Angeles’ iconic Dodger Stadium on November 20th which will be included in a Disney+ documentary about his 50 year career before heading Down Under for a series of shows in Australia and New Zealand in January 2023.

Last month, John released his collaboration with Britney Spears for “Hold Me Closer,” a refreshing contemporary twist on one of Elton John’s most iconic hits, “Tiny Dancer,” which also features elements of other classic songs from his legendary catalog including, “The One,” and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.”