President Obama Toasts President Hollande at the France State Dinner

‘Long live the alliance between our great nations, cheers’

French Leader, Now Single, Feted at White House State Dinner (Chicago Tribune)

French President Francois Hollande was feted Tuesday by President Barack Obama at a state dinner that drew political, business and Hollywood heavyweights, but not Valerie Trierweiler, who was considered France’s first lady before her highly publicized split with Hollande last month.

Guests invited to dine with the suddenly single French leader included actor Bradley Cooper, actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, comedian Stephen Colbert, New York Times editor Jill Abramson and Jason Collins, the former pro basketball player who announced last year that he is gay.

Obama aides Valerie Jarrett and Tina Tchen and Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker were among the Illinoisans on the White House guest list. Chicago-born Cody Keenan, a Northwestern grad and presidential speechwriter, also attended.

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