Barbra Streisand said three words to John F Kennedy which left room 'surprised'

07 November 2023 , 10:21

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Barbra Streisand made a cheeky comment to John F Kennedy

Barbra Streisand has admitted she was in awe of president John F Kennedy when they met at the White House Correspondents Dinner.

Writing in her new memoir, My Name Is Barbra, the singer recalled the 1963 encounter and admitted she broke protocol before shocking other guests with her comments. Barbra had sang at the event, before lining up with the other performers to meet the president.

They were all given strict instructions that it would be a "quick meet and greet". The guests were given strict instructions not to ask for any autographs, but Barbra couldn't help herself.

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Barbra Streisand met with John F Kennedy in 1963 (Getty Images)

Kennedy complimented the star on her singing, before her excitement got the better of her. Writing in her new book, Barbra explained: "I did exactly what we were told not to do. I asked him if he would sign a card from the dinner for my mother.

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"When he handed it back to me, I told him, 'You're a doll'. That's a real Brooklyn expression... and I guess people were a little surprised to hear me saying it to the president. Frankly, it just slipped out."

The actress said she still stands by her comments, insisting the president "was a doll". She also said he practically "glowed" and seemed like a rock star. Barbra is even convinced she heard girls screaming for him outside.

My Name Is Barbra is out now

She's revealed all about her life (Getty Images North America)

After getting the signed card, Barbra kept it safe by tucking it into her cleavage. Sadly, she ended up losing it before she got home and was unable to surprise her mum.

One thing Barbra does still have from the White House Correspondents Dinner is the stunning dress she wore. She keeps it hanging up in her collection of antique clothes, which she joked in her memoir is "now an antique too."

Elsewhere in her debut memoir, Barbra opens up about her path to stardom and shares a number of intimate moments from her relationships. She also bravely speaks out about some of the insecurities she's battled over the years.

My Name is Barbra (published by Penguin) is now available to purchase in bookshops and on Amazon.

Scarlett O'Toole