Celebrities Respond to President Barack Obama’s Final Speech

In case you need another reminder that many celebrities are just like us, look to President Barack Obama’s final speech. Like the rest of the world watching as the president eloquently summed up his achievements while reinforcing the necessity for the public’s participation in democracy, celebrities, too, were reaching for the tissues. Up until his final moments as president, Obama preserved his legacy as an orator with uncommon empathy and a deep understanding of the zeitgeist and the anxieties gripping the country. Everyone from Zendaya to Katy Perry weighed in on their own social platforms, sharing their love for Obama.

“Me watching my president Obama’s farewell address tonight,” tweeted Zendaya, along with a GIF of Oprah sobbing into a tissue. “I’m not gonna be able to do it y’all…” Yet, she did, as Zendaya also livestreamed herself watching the final address on her eponymous app, alongside her assistant Darnell, as her Twitter followers loved pointing out, before she posted a tribute to Obama and the first lady Michelle on her Instagram.

Perry, meanwhile, focused on Obama’s line that got the biggest laugh of the evening: “If you’re tired of arguing with strangers on the internet, try talking with one of them in real life.” “Me right now ??,” Perry tweeted.

She also commented on another memorable moment of the night, which brought tears to any remaining dry eyes: When Obama saluted his wife and best friend.

Even amid the tears though, there were jokes, like Amanda Seyfried referencing Obama’s line about reality catching up with you, which will no doubt go on to resonate more as we move deeper into 2017.

Other celebrities decided to share their own stories about Obama, like Gina Rodriguez who remembered her first encounter with the president. “First time I met the incredible President Barack Obama, we bonded over our Chi Town roots,” she said. “He said, ‘You’re from Chicago?’ Evidence shows, I screamed ‘Hell YEAH’. You served us well Mr. President. #farewell (mean comments go somewhere with your hate, you will be blocked, don’t steal my joy).”

Check out other celebrity reactions to Obama’s final speech below.

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