Bette Midler, Christina Aguilera, Robin Williams entertain Hardy
Associated Press
FARMINGTON, Pa. – The billionaire owner of 84 Lumber could have only one 84th birthday party, so Joe Hardy’s children were determined to make it one to remember.
Pop diva Christina Aguilera sang “Happy Birthday” to Hardy, who turned 84 on Sunday, and Bette Midler performed with an orchestra. Comedian Robin Williams was the after-dinner performer.
“When they told me I was going to Semi-colon, naturally I said, ‘Why? Am I being punished?'” Midler quipped, referring to Nemacolin, Hardy’s posh resort and spa in southwestern Pennsylvania, where the party was held.
The party ran from 2 p.m. Saturday until 2 a.m. Sunday, so the 500 guests – including Gov. Ed Rendell, former Gov. Tom Ridge and Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamalu – could ring in Hardy’s birthday as the clock struck midnight.
After Williams’ performance, the comedian joined Hardy for a quiet chat in the cigar bar as the other partygoers danced to music provided by a disc jockey, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported Monday.