Michelle Obama Shares New Footage of What the Former First Families Chatted About Backstage, Including George W.'s 'Mint Exchange'
Michelle Obama Shares New Footage of What the Former First Families Chatted About Backstage, Including George W.'s 'Mint Exchange'
Meredith KileTue, June 23, 2026 at 5:50 PM UTC
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Michelle Obama and George W. Bush share a laugh at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center on June 18, 2026Credit: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Pool/Getty -
Four sets of former presidents and first ladies gathered last week to celebrate the opening of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago
Michelle Obama shared some behind-the-scenes footage of their private gathering before the ceremony on social media
The clips included heartfelt hugs and the Obamas pointing out meaningful spots on the Chicago skyline from their vantage point in the Obama Center obelisk
Michelle Obama shared a behind-the-scenes look at last week's opening of the Obama Presidential Center, as four sets of former presidents and first ladies came together in a family reunion–style gathering.
All the living presidents and first ladies were in attendance at the June 18 event, except for President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, whom PEOPLE confirmed were not invited.
It was a warm reception as Barack and Michelle welcomed Bill and Hillary Clinton, George and Laura Bush, and Joe and Jill Biden to their hometown of Chicago.
"It was such a joy getting to spend time with Joe and Jill, George and Laura, and Bill and Hillary last week," Michelle, 62, captioned the social media clip. "Barack and I will always be grateful for your constant friendship and support of our family over the years. (And George, thanks for the mints!)"
The video of course kicked off with Michelle and George's iconic "mint exchange," a throwback to their viral moment at Sen. John McCain's funeral in 2018, when George subtly slipped Michelle an Altoid mint.
This time around, the former president brought a whole tin, and the pair shared a laugh while the others welcomed each other with hugs and warm wishes.
George W. Bush and Michelle Obama share a tin of Altoid mints ahead of the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center on June 18, 2026Credit: Pablo Martinez Monsivais-Pool/Getty
George, who has famously taken up painting in his post-White House era, also took the time to compliment Michelle on the new joint portrait of her and Barack that was unveiled at the OPC opening.
Michelle gave credit to the painter, internationally renowned artist Njideka Akunyili Crosby.
"She's good," George, 79, marveled.
Elsewhere, Hillary, 78, greeted Barack, 64, with a hug, saying, "Congratulations, my friend." Barack then thanked his former vice president, 83-year-old Joe, for joining him on the important day and complimented Laura, 79, on her emerald green dress.
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"That's pretty color on you," he said as the Bushes entered.
"Thank you, dear," Laura replied.
Joe and Jill Biden, Barack and Michelle Obama, George and Laura Bush, and Bill and Hillary Clinton pose for a photo ahead of the Obama Center's dedication ceremony on June 18, 2026Credit: Pablo Martinez Monsivais / POOL / AFP via Getty
From their vantage point in the museum tower, the Obamas also pointed out some important landmarks in Chicago. Michelle showed Hillary the direction of the South Shore neighborhood where she grew up, which is only about 10 blocks from the OPC.
George also correctly identified the University of Chicago, which Michelle noted was the birthplace of both of her and Barack's daughters: Malia, 27, and Sasha, 25.
"A lot of good stuff happened around here," Barack mused.
George W. Bush, Laura Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama catch up ahead of the dedication ceremony for the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center on June 18, 2026Credit: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/Pool/Getty
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Then, of course, there was mention of a favorite presidential pastime, when George pointed out the nearby Jackson Park Driving Range.
"Have you played that little golf course over there?" he asked.
"That's where I learned!" Barack replied.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
