Lebanese singing icon Fairuz has made a rare public appearance to host the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, at her home for dinner.
Often referred to as the “jewel of Lebanon”, the famed singer, who stepped away from the public eye many years ago, shared a series of photos from her meeting with Macron on August 31.
In the photos, the 85-year-old – whose real name is Nouhad Haddad – is seen wearing a piece from Lebanese designer, Elie Saab, along with a black headband which held a visor in place over her face.
Macron, who was visiting Lebanon following the devastating explosion in the city’s capital, visited Fairuz’s Rabieh home to award her with France’s Legion of Honour – it was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte and is the highest order of merit in the nation.
Recalling his exchange with the Lebanese icon, the French president told Al Jadeed, a local television station, “I told her what she means to me.”
“She represents stories of love and a Lebanon dreamed of and loved,” he added.
