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Obama, noting
that the first president of the United States, George
Washington, had penned a farewell address in 1796, said he would
deliver his speech in his hometown of Chicago.
"I'm thinking about (the remarks) as a chance to say thank you
for this amazing journey, to celebrate the ways you've changed
this country for the better these past eight years, and to offer
some thoughts on where we all go from here," he said.
Republican Donald Trump will be sworn in to office on Jan. 20.
During his campaign for the White House, Trump pledged to undo
many of Obama's signature policy measures, including his
healthcare law.
Obama, who campaigned hard for Trump's Democratic opponent
Hillary Clinton, has sought to ensure a smooth transition of
power despite major policy differences with his successor. He
also leaves his party without a clear figurehead as he leaves
the White House.
"Since 2009, we've faced our fair share of challenges, and come
through them stronger," Obama said in the email, likely
foreshadowing a theme for his speech.
"That's because we have never let go of a belief that has guided
us ever since our founding - our conviction that, together, we
can change this country for the better."
(Reporting by Jeff Mason; Editing by Paul Tait)
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