President Biden had an unscheduled celebrity encounter at the White House Wednesday, exchanging greetings with R&B singer Ciara during her visit to promote childhood vaccinations.
Shortly before 1 p.m., Biden left the West Wing and headed for Marine One to take the short flight to Joint Base Andrews ahead of a trip to Michigan to promote the recently enacted infrastructure spending legislation.
However, the president quickly doubled back and climbed a couple of steps up the South Portico to say hello to the star and her children, who were joined by first lady Jill Biden.
Ciara, 36, is married to Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and is mother to three kids under the age of 8: son Future, daughter Sienna and son Win.
Ciara’s visit, first reported by People, comes as the White House continues its push to convince parents to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19. Last month, the Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization to Pfizer for its vaccine meant for kids ages 5 to 11.
“[Ciara] has been eager to engage around vaccinations and particularly interested in promoting children vaccinations,” a White House official told People.
“From the White House perspective, we are always looking for trusted messengers who we know from polling are the best people to convince people to get vaccinated,” the official added. “That is no different for parents and their young children.”
The R&B singer planned to create digital content during her White House visit to help promote inoculations for children.