SENIOR LIFE writer Ken Previti spent some time with Chita Rivera and discussed her recent visit to the White House to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. They also talked about family and Ms. Rivera's upcoming visit to Melbourne and how much she enjoys entertaining.

Senior Life - What ran through your
mind during the awards ceremony
while receiving the Presidential
Medal of Freedom?

Chita - I have never mentioned this
to anyone except a few family members,
but I was in such awe of the
ceremony, President Obama, and the
guests that I kind of froze when I saw
the actual ribbon and beautiful medal
he placed around another recipient’s
neck. I already had a necklace on,
and I asked the person next to me to
remove my necklace. They stared
and did nothing. I wanted to be ready
for that medal, so I ripped my necklace
off and stuck it under my chair.
How childish! Only then did I feel
prepared for that unbelievable medal.
I also had a moment of fearing
that one of those handsome young
Marines was going to call me aside
to say, “Excuse me Miss Rivera, but
you’re here by mistake.” Really!

Senior Life - How were you greeted
by the First Lady?

Chita - My assistant, Rosie, approached
her first and put out herhand. Michelle Obama

smiledand said, “Oh, we hug in this family.”

We all got hugs.

Senior Life - President Obama introduced
you and said, “Delores Conchita Figuerroa
Rivera knows the adversity that comes
with a difficult name. I can relate!”

Chita - Everyone laughed, and those are
really only half of my eight names! It
was so personal; I was very touched by
it. So very personal!

Senior Life - Your new show, Chita
Rivera: My Broadway, is touring now.
What’s it like?

Chita - I’ve recorded lots of theater
music and things but never a personal
song album. My dear, close friend,
Rosemary Clooney, who has since
passed away, and I used to do things
together. Then recently at Michael
Feinstein’s club in New York, he and a
bunch of Jazz musicians told me to
consider doing songs arranged for me.
We did, and then we did the album and
now the show.

Senior Life - Why do you continue with
the strain of touring?

Chita - At Christmas, I was at my
daughter’s home surrounded by family,
lots of food, children — everything.
It was wonderful! Sometime during all
of this I thought, “I sure am looking
forward to a good hotel room, some
room service and a performance later.”
You know? I live in the moment and
get joy from traveling and meeting
people. I’m stimulated by it. Touring?
It’s like going on a vacation!