Former President Barack Obama is going "big" for his 60th birthday. The former U.S. Senator is expected to throw a massive celebration in Martha's Vineyard at his "seven-bedroom, nearly 7,000-foot mansion." next month. A guest list has not been confirmed, but The Hill has reported that stars such as George Clooney and Oprah Winfrey are expected to attend.
“It's going to be big,” one source told The Hill.
Obama is no stranger to hosting big birthday celebrations. Ten years ago, he celebrated his 50th birthday alongside Charles Barkley, Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Stevie Wonder, Tom Hanks and Chris Rock. Not to mention, Ledisi and Herbie Hancock also performed.
However, there is one big change from his 50th birthday party to his 60th birthday party. The coronavirus emerged as a topic of conversation in late 2019 and it has not left since then. While COVID-19 vaccinations are rising in the United States, new confirmed cases of COVID-19 are rising as well. In fact, the number of new COVID-19 cases has risen by 65% this week. As a result, the Obamas are requiring all guests to present a COVID-19 test before attending. The former President has also publicly advocated for all American citizens to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
"This vaccine means hope, it will protect you and those you love from this dangerous and deadly disease," the former President said in a PSA earlier this year.
Thus far, 49.3% of the American population, including Barack and Michelle Obama, has been fully vaccinated against the virus. President Joe Biden hopes to push the nation over the 50% mark in the coming days. In the meantime, the Obamas will continue to take extreme precautions while setting up this major celebration on August 4.
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