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Pop star Elton John with Jill and Joe Biden in the White House garden
Photo: BONNIE CASH/POOL/EPA
For him it was "the icing on the cake": British pop legend Elton John played a concert in the garden of the White House on Friday evening.
In front of around 2000 guests of honor, the 75-year-old John sang world hits such as "Your Song", "I Am Still Standing" and "Rocket Man".
The evening was hosted by the presidential couple.
Jil and Joe Biden held the event to raise awareness for LGBT rights and to thank caregivers and teachers.
Also in attendance, according to the White House, were Afghan Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai and former tennis player and activist Billie Jean King.
'What a dump here!' John said in greeting before sitting down at the piano for his 40-minute performance in a sparkling black suit and orange-tinted glasses on his face.
The White House behind him was illuminated, in front of it stood a military band in full regalia.
President Biden presented John with the National Humanities Medal, which the US government gives to honor people whose work has promoted understanding of the humanities.
John's music "changed our lives," Biden said.
"I'm never flabbergasted, but now I am," said the visibly moved musician.
He hopes that the United States will again succeed in "overcoming the political divide".
The 75-year-old John has been on a worldwide farewell tour since 2018, which is scheduled to end next year.
sbo/dpa