First Lady Jill Biden attended a star-studded event at the Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris, France, marking the Prelude to the 2024 Olympic Games party on July 25, Thursday. This followed the announcement of President Joe Biden’s decision to not seek re-election. The gathering brought together renowned figures from diverse sectors such as sports, entertainment, and politics.
The guest list boasted names such as Serena Williams, renowned tennis player; Charlize Theron, esteemed actress; Mick Jagger, celebrated musician; and Zendaya, acclaimed actress. The party was organized by Anna Wintour, Vogue’s editor, and Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director, setting a glamorous tone for the event. French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, were also present, along with other high-profile attendees including LeBron James, Novak Djokovic, and Steven Spielberg.
Guests were welcomed into the venue via a unique three-lane track, a nod to the upcoming Games, instead of the traditional red carpet. The Olympic medals, designed by Louis Vuitton for the 2024 Games, were displayed prominently, contributing to the event’s theme.
Jill Biden, dressed in a white pantsuit, interacted enthusiastically with the attendees. Earlier in the day, she had met with U.S. athletes to offer encouragement before the Games started. Her speech referenced her husband’s decision to not run in the 2024 election, which was met with applause from the athletes. “Thank you. I’ll take that home to him,” she responded.
In a significant gesture, the First Lady participated in a relay handoff with members of the U.S. track and field team at an Olympic training center situated in the northern suburbs of Paris. She interacted with U.S. athletes from the women’s rugby and track and field teams, wishing them luck, taking photos, and even joining in a stationary relay drill.
Biden’s visit to the training center was part of a wider effort to support and motivate U.S. athletes as they prepared for the Games. At the residence of Denise Bauer, the U.S. ambassador to France, Biden addressed the families of U.S. athletes, expressing her support and best wishes for their loved ones competing in the Olympics.
Later in the evening, Biden attended a welcome reception at the Élysée Palace, hosted by President Macron and Brigitte Macron. The event saw the participation of 85 heads of state, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, emphasizing the international cooperation and camaraderie that the Olympic Games symbolize.
Biden’s presence in Paris underscored the United States’ support for its athletes and served as a diplomatic gesture following President Biden’s recent announcement about the 2024 election. Her engagements in Paris, from meeting athletes to attending prominent events, reflected her commitment to both domestic and international engagement.
On Friday, Biden continued her duties by attending the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games. Despite the heavy rain, the ceremony attracted over 300,000 spectators and featured a procession of Olympic athletes, many in rain ponchos, on boats along the Seine River, a first for an Olympic opening ceremony. Over 45,000 police officers and gendarmes were deployed to ensure security for the event.
The Opening Ceremony presented a “portrait of Paris,” celebrating the city’s diversity and cultural heritage. Notable celebrities like Celine Dion and Lady Gaga performed or made appearances during the event. Coco Gauff and LeBron James were the U.S. flag bearers, embodying the nation’s pride and athletic prowess.
After the Opening Ceremony, Jill Biden spoke at a brunch to celebrate the start of the Games and the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who accompanied Biden on the trip, was present at this event. The brunch provided an opportunity to highlight the continuity of the Olympic spirit and the anticipation for the next host city in the United States.
As the Games started, Jill Biden’s active involvement and support for the U.S. athletes showcased her commitment to representing the country on the international stage. Her interactions with athletes, dignitaries, and celebrities underscore the diverse role of the First Lady in fostering international relations and promoting national pride.