First Lady Jill Biden joined a celebrity-filled lineup at the Prelude to the 2024 Olympic Games party on Thursday night, July 25, following President Joe Biden’s exit from the presidential race. The event, held at the Foundation Louis Vuitton in Paris, attracted a host of notable figures from various fields, including sports, entertainment, and politics.
Among the distinguished guests were tennis legend Serena Williams, actress Charlize Theron, musician Mick Jagger, and actress Zendaya. The evening was hosted by Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Louis Vuitton’s men’s creative director Pharrell Williams, setting the stage for a glamorous prelude to the Olympic festivities. French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte, also attended, mingling with other high-profile attendees such as basketball star LeBron James, tennis player Novak Djokovic, and filmmaker Steven Spielberg.
Guests entered the event on a unique three-lane track rather than a traditional red carpet, a creative nod to the athletic spirit of the Games. The Olympic medals designed by Louis Vuitton for the 2024 Games were prominently displayed, adding to the evening’s theme.
Dressed in a white pantsuit, Jill Biden engaged with guests throughout the evening. Earlier in the day, she had met with U.S. athletes to offer encouragement before the Games began. During her address, she referenced President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 election, which drew applause from the athletes. “Thank you. I’ll take that home to him,” she responded.
In a symbolic gesture, Biden participated in a relay handoff with members of the U.S. track and field team. This activity took place at an Olympic training center in the northern suburbs of Paris, where she interacted with American athletes from the women’s rugby team and the track and field team. She wished them luck, hugged some of them, took pictures, and even joined in a stationary relay drill.
The visit to the training center was part of a broader effort to support and motivate U.S. athletes as they prepared for the Games. At the residence of the U.S. ambassador to France, Denise Bauer, Biden addressed the families of U.S. athletes, expressing her support and best wishes for their loved ones competing in the Olympics.
In the evening, Biden attended a welcome reception at the Élysée Palace hosted by President Macron and Brigitte Macron. The event was attended by 85 heads of state, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The reception highlighted the international cooperation and camaraderie that the Olympic Games represent.
Jill Biden’s presence in Paris not only underscored the United States’ support for its athletes but also served as a diplomatic gesture in light of President Biden’s recent announcement regarding the 2024 election. Her activities in Paris, from meeting athletes to attending high-profile events, reflected her commitment to both national and international engagement.
Biden continued her duties in Paris by attending the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games on Friday. The ceremony, in heavy rain, drew 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. Security for the event was tight, with over 45,000 police officers and gendarmes deployed.
The Opening Ceremony showcased a “portrait of Paris,” celebrating the city’s diversity and cultural heritage. High-profile celebrities, including Celine Dion and Lady Gaga, performed or made appearances during the festivities. Coco Gauff and LeBron James served as the U.S. flag bearers, symbolizing the nation’s pride and athletic prowess.
Following the Opening Ceremony, Jill Biden spoke at a brunch to celebrate the start of the Games and the upcoming 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who accompanied Biden on the trip, joined her at this event. This brunch served as 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 commenced, Jill Biden’s active participation and support for the U.S. athletes reflected her dedication to representing the country on the global stage. Her interactions with athletes, dignitaries, and celebrities alike highlight the multifaceted role of the First Lady in fostering international relationships and promoting national pride.
