Barack Obama recently received a sweet video from a 24-year-old whose letter to the former president is now cemented in history at his Obama Presidential Center.
After 11 years and about $850 million in private funding (including a donation from NBC News’ parent company, Comcast), the long-awaited center has finally opened.
Prior to opening, Craig Melvin traveled to the center, which is located just blocks from where Michelle Obama grew up, for an interview with Barack Obama that aired on TODAY June 19. During their chat, the former president explained the significant details and mementos placed around the campus that reflect the highlights of his time in office.
One of those keepsakes is a letter that a woman named Emily Smith penned to the president when she was 7 years old explaining how her mother, who supported him, had died of cancer. At the time, Barack Obama replied with a handwritten message that read, “Emily, Thanks for the wonderful letter. My mom died of cancer too, so I know how you feel. I’m sure your mom and mine are both in heaven, and are both proud of you. I am too! Dream big dreams, Barack Obama.”
Smith still has his letter.
Craig said that when Smith learned her letter was going to be featured in the library, she decided to send a video to Barack Obama and update him on how her life has turned out so far.
“Oh gosh,” Barack Obama replied as the video started to play.
“My name’s Emily Smith. I’m 24 years old. I was born and raised in Rhode Island, but I currently live in New York City,” she began in the clip. “I knew even at a young age that I wanted (the former president) to hear her strength and determination for the both of them.”