President Barack Obama stepped on stage Tuesday night to give his farewell address.
US President Barack Obama just gave his final speech as the leader of the free world, and openly wept during the touching farewell address as he thanked his family for their unwavering support.
But viewers watching the 44th president sign off on his eight years in office were left wondering why Obama's youngest daughter Sasha, 15, did not attend the celebration in Chicago, the family's original hometown.
While his wife Michelle and eldest daughter Malia, 18, received standing ovations and later joined the President on stage, Sasha was nowhere to be seen.
President Barack Obama walks on stage with first lady Michelle Obama, daughter Malia, Vice President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden after his farewell address at McCormick Place in Chicago, Tuesday
The hashtag #WhereIsSasha soon began trending on Twitter as punters wondered why Sasha would miss such an important moment in her father's career.
Her absence was made especially apparent as Malia wiped away tears while watching her father thank his family.
"Michelle - for the past twenty-five years, you've been not only my wife and mother of my children, but my best friend," the President gushed.
"You took on a role you didn't ask for and made it your own with grace and grit and style and good humour. You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. And a new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. You've made me proud. You've made the country proud."
He continued: "Malia and Sasha, under the strangest of circumstances, you have become two amazing young women, smart and beautiful, but more importantly, kind and thoughtful and full of passion," Obama said.
Some suggested that the high school sophomore was tucked up in bed or preparing for class tomorrow. Obama's speech ended just after 9pm on Tuesday, US time.
Malia graduated high school last May and will take a gap year before she starts college at Harvard later this year.
Obama has previously stated that he and his family will remain in Washington D.C after he departs the White House next week.
"We're going to have to stay a couple of years in D.C probably so Sasha can finish [high school]," he said last year. "Transferring someone in the middle of high school? Tough."
In 2009, just after he was sworn in as President, Obama penned a touching letter to his daughters about his hopes and dreams for their futures.
President Barack Obama pauses as he speaks at his presidential farewell address. Photo / AP
First lady Michelle Obama hugs President Barack Obama after his farewell address. Photo / AP
"These are the things I want for you - to grow up in a world with no limits on your dreams and no achievements beyond your reach, and to grow into compassionate, committed women who will helpbuild that world.
"And I want every child to have the same chances to learn and dream and grow andthrive that you girls have. That's why I've taken our family on this great adventure.
I am so proud of both of you. I love you more than you can ever know. And I am grateful every day for your patience, poise, grace, and humour as we prepare to start our new life together in the White House. Love, Dad."
