Malia sheds tears as Obama calls Michelle his "best friend"

Chicago : Outgoing US President Barack Obama's elder daughter went emotional as her father dedicated few minutes from his farewell speech to Michelle, calling her his "best friend".

Malia was sitting next to her mother for the whole time Obama thanked Michelle for her support that kept him moving.

The whole auditorium, with approx. 20,000 people, gave Michelle a standing ovation after Mr President was also seen wiping his tears during the speech.

"For the past 25 years, you've been not only my wife and mother of my children, but my best friend."

"You took on a role you didn't ask for and made it your own with grace and grit and style and good humour," he told Michelle.

"You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. You've made me proud. You've made the country proud," he continued.

Turning to his children, the "proud dad" said: "Malia and Sasha, under the strangest of circumstances, you have become two amazing young women.

"You are smart and beautiful, but more importantly, you are kind and you are thoughtful, and you are full of passion. And you wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. Of all that I have done in my life, I am most proud to be your dad."

(with inputs from IANS)