The hidden meaning behind Dr. Jill Biden's inauguration concert corsage has finally been revealed

The First Lady's delicate corsage has a romantic story behind it.

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 06: Jill Biden discusses "Walk of America" as she visits "America's Newsroom" at Fox News Channel Studios on September 6, 2018 in New York City. ()
(Image credit: Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

 Dr. Jill Biden’s inauguration concert outfit may have been a symbol of the nation’s pursuit of harmony and peace, but it also reflected another important union: her marriage. 

Fashion-savvy viewers quickly identified a subtle addition to the First Lady’s ivory dress-coat ensemble: a delicate white corsage. 

The floral piece, which appeared on Jill’s wrist just before the inauguration concert, was far more than an afterthought accessory. It has now revealed that the corsage was gifted to Jill by President Biden as part of a longstanding tradition. The romantic gesture was first made on Valentine’s Day and has since become a symbol of love in their relationship. 

WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: U.S. President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden watch a fireworks show on the National Mall from the Truman Balcony at the White House January 20, 2021 in Washington, DC. Biden became the 46th president of the United States earlier today during the ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.

(Image credit: (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images))

The corsage drew a huge amount of attention from the public, despite being designed to blend in with the outfit. "I was surprised that people actually saw it on my wrist," she said in an interview with People. "I guess with a zoom lens you see everything."

The piece wasn’t just any store-bought corsage. It was reportedly custom-made with Jill’s favorite flowers, gardenias. 

The gesture may be simple, but the couple believes that it’s these small acts of kindness that have kept their 43-year marriage alive. 

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When asked about the corsage tradition's meaning, President Biden explained how it serves to demonstrate his undying love for his wife. 

"I think it's important to — and Jill does the same thing — let each other know no matter how much time has gone by - I got criticized for saying this awhile ago, but...she comes down the steps, (my heart) still goes a little boom, boom, boom, boom. For real."

Well, if that's not true love, we don't know what is. 

Emma Dooney
Lifestyle News Writer

Hailing from the lovely city of Dublin, Emma mainly covers the Royal Family and the entertainment world, as well as the occasional health and wellness feature. Always up for a good conversation, she has a passion for interviewing everyone from A-list celebrities to the local GP - or just about anyone who will chat to her, really.


Emma holds an MA in International Journalism from City, University of London, and a BA in English Literature from Trinity College Dublin.