Last State Dinner Of Obama's Tenure, One Of The Biggest
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- The last state dinner of President Barack Obama's tenure was also one of the biggest.
President Obama struck a nostalgic tone as he welcomed the Prime Minister of Italy along with many celebrities, musicians, and Washington leaders. The star-studded night was described as bittersweet as the president hosted his 13th and final state dinner.
"What matters in the end is what we built. What matters is what we leave behind," said the president.
Michelle Obama dazzled in an atelier Versace gown made entirely of rose gold chain mail.
The president joked about the race for his replacement.
"Our presidential campaigns can seem like something out of Dante's Inferno," said President Obama.
The crowd of more than 400 included prominent Italian-Americans like former race car driver Mario Andretti, Actor John Turturro, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and guest chef Mario Batali.
Also in attendance were celebrities like Jerry Seinfeld, Musicians James Taylor, Frank Ocean, Chance The Rapper and CBS This Morning's own Gayle King.
Tuesday night's state dinner was President Obama's largest during his two terms in office.
Singer Gwen Stefani provided the entertainment for the night.
President Obama has held 13 state dinners during nearly eight years in office, two more than president George W. Bush, but fewer than other recent predecessors.
According to the White House Historical Association, President Bill Clinton exceeded both of his successors with 28 dinners during two terms in office.
