"The impact they have on society is invaluable and something we will continue to cherish throughout time," first lady Melania Trump said of the arts. | KENA BETANCUR/AFP/Getty Images Melania Trump attends Ford's Theatre gala

First lady Melania Trump attended the Ford's Theatre annual gala on Sunday evening, paying tribute to President Abraham Lincoln's legacy. It was one of her first public appearances since surgery last month.

"Tonight reminds all of us about the power the arts have in cultivating the American voice," the first lady, who served as the honorary chairman, said in a statement. "Thank you to Ford’s Theatre Society for tonight, and your continued dedication to education and leadership in the arts — the impact they have on society is invaluable and something we will continue to cherish throughout time.”


The first lady attended the event with President Donald Trump last year, but went solo on Sunday because her husband was in Singapore for his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The first lady is beginning to return to a more public schedule after spending nearly three weeks out of the limelight following a kidney procedure.