Former Governor of New Jersey, Chris Christie, set social media ablaze this week with his visit to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which he presented a unique gift – handwritten lyrics to the iconic Bon Jovi hit “It’s My Life,” penned by none other than Jon Bon Jovi himself.
In a Sunday interview on CNN, Christie shared the song’s significance, noting how it had served as an inspiration for the citizens of Odessa as they braced themselves for the Russian invasion. He revealed that Jon Bon Jovi had personally transcribed the lyrics, framing them as a heartfelt gesture.
Presenting the framed lyrics to President Zelenskyy, Christie conveyed the sentiment that this musical token encapsulated the feelings of many Americans towards the cause being fought for in Ukraine.
This heartwarming gesture did not escape the wit of social media users on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, who promptly responded with a flurry of wisecracks and humorous comments.
“Truly the closest New Jersey gets to the Crown Jewels,” quipped political adviser Maximilian Hess.
A playful reference to another New Jersey music icon emerged as one user humorously suggested, “If they were handwritten Springsteen (sic) lyrics, now that would truly impress.”
Adding to the jest, a user posted an image depicting Russian President Vladimir Putin being whispered to by an adviser, captioned with a twist: “Sir, the Ukrainians possess Bon Jovi lyrics.”
NPR correspondent Stacey Vanek Smith humorously interpreted the gift, stating, “I believe that’s New Jersey’s way of saying ‘You complete me.'”
Radio show host Emma Vigeland contributed to the amusement, remarking, “I’m sending Zelenskyy a DVD of Jersey Shore season one.”
President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to Christie for his support during Ukraine’s struggle against Russia’s invasion following the visit. Zelenskyy highlighted that he had taken Christie to witness one of the war’s most harrowing sites in Bucha.
During a statement, Zelenskyy shared, “I had a meeting with a member of the Republican Party, former Governor of New Jersey, Christopher Christie. It is of great significance that Mr. Christie initiated his visit to Ukraine with a trip to Bucha, where he could see firsthand the threat posed by Russian aggression to freedom, both locally and globally.”
Zelenskyy extended his gratitude to all Americans for their invaluable support, expressing unwavering confidence in the ultimate triumph of democracy, freedom, and the free world against the backdrop of the Russian war.