Michelle Obama and Laura Bush Share Strength and Gratitude on ‘One World: Together At Home’

The former first ladies joined the historic broadcast event to help the fight against COVID-19.

Why Global Citizens Should Care: Frontline health workers and key workers around the world are putting themselves at risk to protect and care for others. The One World: Together At Home global special celebrates and supports these heroic people, and the World Health Organization as it drives forward the response efforts. Join the movement by taking action here to support the fight against COVID-19.

As the global community came together for the One World: Together At Home broadcast on Saturday night, former first ladies Michelle Obama and Laura Bush teamed up to share an important message with Global Citizens watching around the world.

Obama and Bush joined forces with global health experts, world leaders, frontline health workers, and some of the world’s biggest names in music and entertainment for the global broadcast — to celebrate and support frontline workers and unite the world behind the global COVID-19 response.

Their message, to the public and frontline workers watching at home, was one of strength, solidarity, and "overwhelming gratitude" to those who are "risking their lives on our behalf."

"Over the years, Laura and I have travelled across this country, and around the world," Obama said.

Bush continued: "We have visited with you at your schools, libraries, diners, places of worship, and even at your kitchen tables."

"And we have had the profound privilege of getting to know you and your families," continued Obama. "Your hopes, your struggles, and your triumphs."

Michelle Obama visits BookTube at YouTube Space Austin on February 28, 2019 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images)

But despite this "difficult period of physical separation," Bush highlighted that we have never been closer. "Not just in our great country, but tonight, we stand with the people of the world."

The pair expressed thanks to medical professionals, first responders, and many others on the frontlines.

"And we’re thankful for our pharmacists, the veterinarians, the police officers, the sanitation workers, and those of you working in grocery stores, or delivering food and supplies to our homes," Bush said. "You are the fabric of our country, and your strength will carry us through this crisis."

Obama finished by highlighting that, while the coming days will not be easy, "this global family of ours is strong."

She added: "We will continue to be here for one another and we will get through this crisis together."

One World: Together At Home is a historic multi-hour digital and broadcast event with appearances from some of the world’s biggest artists and influencers, as well as messages from global health experts and world leaders. The event has and will continue to showcase commitments to support the fight against COVID-19.

For everyone watching at home, our message is that the whole world must unite to tackle this global health crisis — and every one of us can take action to support the response efforts against coronavirus.

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Join the movement by heading to our 'Together At Home' campaign page and taking action online to support frontline health workers and the global COVID-19 response.

You can still tune in to One World: Together At Home too, to enjoy the show. Find out how to tune in wherever you are in the world here.

You can see all of Global Citizen's COVID-19 coverage here.