The Obama Presidential Center opened in Chicago’s Jackson Park with a star-studded ceremony attended by former presidents Biden, Bush, and Clinton, plus celebrities like Oprah and Stevie Wonder.

The former U.S First Lady Michelle praised Barack’s optimism, courage, brilliance, decency, work ethic, and moral fiber, recalling his promise of an interesting life that exceeded expectations.

Barack returned the emotion, reflecting on their journey from a rainy first meeting to the White House, as the $830 million campus launches programs for education and civic engagement.

The center opens to the public June 19-21, preserving their legacy on Chicago’s South Side.

Michelle: “Barack, You told me all those years ago that you couldn’t promise me the world, but you could promise me an interesting life. Of course, you outdid yourself and managed to give me both.

“Eight years in the crucible, and not once did you melt from the heat. Not once did you let it harden you. Instead, you used it to reveal your truest essence: your stubborn optimism and unflinching courage, your dazzling brilliance and unpretentious decency, your ferocious work ethic and absolutely unshakable moral fiber.”