People: Facebook CEO Zuckerberg, Priscilla Chan announce pregnancy
Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his pediatrician wife, Priscilla Chan, are expecting a baby.
The co-founder of the world’s largest social network used a Facebook post Friday to announce that Chan is pregnant with a healthy baby daughter. He didn’t say when the baby is due.
Zuckerberg, 31, also said the couple had suffered three miscarriages over the last two years. He acknowledged in his post that many people are reluctant to speak publicly about miscarriages. But he said he and Chan, 30, decided to share the information after hearing from friends who had similar experiences and ultimately were able to have children.
“Most people don’t discuss miscarriages because you worry your problems will distance you or reflect upon you – as if you’re defective or did something to cause this. So you struggle on your own,” Zuckerberg wrote. “It’s a lonely experience.”
The social media mogul added, “In today’s open and connected world, discussing these issues doesn’t distance us; it brings us together. It creates understanding and tolerance, and it gives us hope.”
He said the couple, who married in 2012, hope to encourage other parents who may be struggling with difficult pregnancies.
“We hope that sharing our experience will give more people the same hope we felt and will help more people feel comfortable sharing their stories as well,” he said.
Zuckerberg also said: “Our good news is that our pregnancy is now far enough along that the risk of loss is very low and we are very hopeful.”
So will they be posting baby pictures? Zuckerberg didn’t make any promises, but he wrote: “We’re looking forward to welcoming her into the world and sharing more soon when she’s ready to come out and meet everyone!”
GWU honors Tony Bennett for arts
George Washington University is honoring singer Tony Bennett and his wife with the university president’s medal for their commitment to the arts.
University President Steven Knapp presented the honor Thursday night at the Corcoran building, which houses the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design. Beyond his music, Bennett is a painter and visual artist whose works have been acquired by the Smithsonian.
The ceremony featured a one-night exhibition of 18 pieces of Bennett’s artwork, including paintings of Duke Ellington and Central Park that are part of the Smithsonian’s collections.
Bennett and his wife, Susan Benedetto, have worked to make arts education a priority in public schools.
The birthday bunch
Singer Ramblin’ Jack Elliott is 84. Actor Giancarlo Giannini is 73. Blues singer-musician Robert Cray is 62. Rock singer Joe Elliott (Def Leppard) is 56. Rapper Chuck D (Public Enemy) is 55. Rapper Coolio is 52. Rock singer Adam Duritz (Counting Crows) is 51. Actress Tempestt Bledsoe is 42.