Barack Obama talking about his wife and kids is what a great man looks like.

After eight years in office, Barack Obama has celebrated his legacy in a powerful farewell address.

The outgoing President of the United States delivered his final speech from his hometown of Chicago — the city he credits with teaching him that change starts with everyday Americans.

It was an emotional goodbye, which left many of those watching in tears, including his wife and daughters.

In just 10 days, Obama, 55, will vacate his home in the White House for his incoming successor, businessman and Republican Donald Trump.

Michelle, Malia, Sasha will leave with him.

As he thanked them for their support, there was barely a dry eye in the house.

“For the past 25 years, you have not only been my wife and mother of my children, you have been my best friend,” Obama said, addressing the First Lady, Michelle.

“You took on a role you didn’t ask for and you made it your own, with grace and with grit and with style and good humour.

“You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. And a new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. So you have made me proud and you have made the country proud.”

The crowd agreed, getting to their feet to applaud the lawyer, writer and unwavering advocate for women’s rights for nearly a minute.

Then to his two children he said: “Malia and Sasha, under the strangest of circumstances, you have become two amazing young women, you are smart and you are beautiful, but more importantly you are kind and you are thoughtful and you are full of passion.”

“You bother the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. Of all that I have done in my life, I am most proud to be your dad.”

There were several other moving moments in the speech, which called for unity and action.

“America is exceptional, not because we’re flawless but because we have the capacity to change,” Obama said.

He recalled the oft-quoted passage from Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, when Atticus Finch said: “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

The Democrat then called for tolerance, reminding us all to look beyond our ‘bubbles’.

“For too many of us, it’s become safer to retreat into our own bubbles, whether in our neighbourhoods or on college campuses or places of worship or especially our social media feeds, surrounded by people who look like us and share the same political outlook and never challenge our assumptions,” he said.

“If you’re tired of arguing with strangers on the internet try talking with one of them in real life. If something needs fixing, then lace up your shoes and do some organising. If you’re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures and run for office yourself.

“Show up. Dive in. Stay at it.”