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Following a swinging farewell party that had Hollywood’s finest up until the wee hours, President Obama addressed the nation one last time in his final speech as Commander-in-Chief (here’s the full transcript, in case you missed it).
His heartfelt message had many (himself, daughter Malia and wife Michelle included) in tears as he thanked his family, Joe Biden and the nation, and urged us all to come together and honor the democratic system that makes our nation so great. “Democracy does require a basic sense of solidarity — the idea that for all our outward differences, we are all in this together; that we rise or fall as one,” he said.
While he did address the challenges we will face together in the years ahead — including race relations, climate change and economic trade — we were left feeling largely… hopeful? After all, as he pointed out, there’s much we can do, including our favorite reminder: “If you’re tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try to talk with one in real life.”
We hear you, sir: loud and clear. Celebs were all ears as well, as they flocked to social media to pay their respects to our nation’s leader — see what they had to say below!
1. Bella Hadid: Bella shared a mic-dropping meme, saying, “Thank you, I love you. #Obama #OURpresident.”
2. Ariana Grande: Ariana let the pic do the talking, sharing a sweet photo of Obama and Michelle with crying and waving emojis.
3. Alyssa Milano: Alyssa followed suit, sharing a stunning black and white shot of the President and his First Lady, writing, “Thank you for your service, grace and inspiration @potus and @flotus.”
4. Zendaya: “Thank you, thank you, thank you…a million times…thank you,” wrote the actress and budding fashion designer.
5. Gina Rodriguez: Gina shared a more personal story, writing, “First time I met the incredible President Barack Obama, we bonded over our Chi Town roots. He said, ‘You’re from Chicago?’ Evidence shows I screamed ‘Hell YEAH.’ You served us well Mr. President. #farewell,” before adding a disclaimer: “Mean comments go somewhere with your hate, you will be blocked, don’t steal my joy.”
6. Rashida Jones: Rashida kept it simple, simply putting, “Thank you.”
.@POTUS @BarackObama I love you more than I have space on Twitter to describe. #ObamaFarewell
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 11, 2017
7. Ellen DeGeneres: Ellen couldn’t quite keep it to 140 characters.
8. Beth Behrs: Regramming the words of @flagranchsanctuary, Beth said “Self-government. Self. Government. Self comes first. We overlook this. Vigilance, not fear. The horses live this everyday. Citizen. The most important office in America. Our power is inside, not outside. As in the herd, everyone has a role, no greater, no less. Respons-ability. Wake up. Stand up. Live. Your part.”
YES WE CAN #obamafarewell
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) January 11, 2017
9. Kerry Washington: Kerry kept it positive, agreeing with Obama’s slogan that “YES WE CAN.”
.@tomhanks reacts to Pres. Obama's speech: "He's ending the way he started—with that fabulous message of yes we can" https://t.co/VmaW47ESHI pic.twitter.com/FM91PaTZ9Z
— ABC News Politics (@ABCPolitics) January 11, 2017
10. Tom Hanks: Tom was inspired by those same words, telling ABC News, “’cause I know, yes, we can, all we gotta do [is] decide to make it so.”
President Obama, because of you "those brown kids" know that they too can one day be President of the U.S. #ObamaAndKids #ObamaFarewell pic.twitter.com/MhKQc0kxXe
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) January 11, 2017
11. Russell Simmons: Russell pointed out one of Obama’s more important legacies.
12. Elizabeth Banks: Elizabeth (who starred in this pro-Hillary video prior to the election) also kept it short and sweet, saying “#Goals 100 #thankyou #obama.”
13. Nicole Richie: Nic Rich shared these shots of baby Obama in tribute.
What was your favorite part of Obama’s speech? Share with us @BritandCo.
(Photos via Joshua Lott + Nicholas Kamm/Getty)
