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Who is Jon Batiste's wife? Newly married Grammy winner to sing at Joe Biden's first White House state dinner

'An artist who transcends generations, Jon Batiste’s music inspires and brings people together,' said Jill Biden's spokesperson

WASHINGTON, DC: Jon Batiste has been bagged by the US government to perform at President Joe Biden’s first White House state dinner on Thursday, December 1. Biden's dinner with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron aims to highlight long-standing ties between the US and France. The singer has grabbed 5 Grammy Awards from 14 nominations as of 2022 and is also the recipient of an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a BAFTA Film Award.

The 36-year-old singer will be adding 'White House entertainer' to his already fulfilling resume. A spokesperson for first lady Jill Biden who is overseeing the dinner preparations, Vanessa Valdivia, said, "An artist who transcends generations, Jon Batiste’s music inspires and brings people together." She continued, "We’re thrilled to have him perform at the White House for the first state dinner of the Biden-Harris administration," as reported by The Washington Post. While announcing the dinner, the official statement read, "This will be the first State Visit of the Biden-Harris Administration. It will underscore the deep and enduring relationship between the United States and France, our oldest ally, that is founded on our shared democratic values, economic ties, and defense and security cooperation."

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Who is Jon Batiste's wife?

Batiste is married to Suleika Jaouad who is an American writer, advocate, motivational speaker, and Emmy-winning journalist. She has written for Vogue, Glamour, NPR's All Things Considered, and Women's Health, and is the author of 'Life, Interrupted' column in The New York Times. Jaouad was identified with acute myeloid leukemia in 2011 with 35% chance of surviving. She fought and survived but announced once again in 2021 that her cancer was back and that was ready to undergo another bone marrow transplant. 

While talking about Batiste in 'Life, Interrupted', she revealed that they first met as teenagers at band camp only to reconnect after 12 years when Jaouad was receiving treatment for leukemia. The couple had been dating since February 2014 and they tied the knot in a private ceremony in April 2022. They later announced in a televised interview that they had been secretly married. As for her academics, Jaouad has a B.A. from Princeton University and an MFA in writing and literature from Bennington College.

Fans congratulate Jon Batiste

One fan wrote, "I remember hearing a piece on you years ago on NPR. It’s been a thrill to have seen how your career has shaped over the years and excited you’re headlining the State Dinner!" Another user tweeted, "Damn, what a year! Got married, won 5 Grammys, and now this?! Congratulations @JonBatiste on all of your continued success. I hope that your wife is doing well!" One more user tweeted, "Congrats! I am jealous that the Bidens get you hear you in person. You are such a talent and you give off such positive vibes!"

One user said, "It will BE A MOST LOVELY Dinner experience! He is Dynamic with those keys" Another user wrote, "I can't think of a more talented and humble person to have this honor! Yay, you!!!" One more user advised Jon Batiste to break a leg and enjoy the performance saying, "How wonderful and well deserved! Congratulations! And break a leg!"

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