It was briefly the most-asked question in Washington and Paris: who would take the spare seat at the state dinner honouring François Hollande following his break up with long-time partner Valérie Trierweiler, reports The Telegraph.
On Tuesday, night the White House provided a suitably diplomatic answer.
The seat next to President Barack Obama, normally reserved for the spouse of a visiting leader, went to Thelma Golden, a New York museum director.
Ms Golden, who is married, is the head of the Studio Museum in Harlem, which is dedicated contemporary African-American art.
Her choice may disappoint those hoping that the Obamas would try to set up the newly-single Mr Hollande, who came alone to the black-tie dinner.
Instead of matchmaking, Mr Obama instead toasted "the alliance between our two countries."
Mr Hollande prompted laughter as he quipped: "We love the United States and you love the French, although you're sometimes too shy to say so."
The more than 300 guests ate in a pavilion tent outside the White House, dining on rib-eye steak and vegetables from Michelle Obama's own garden.
Read more of this report from The Telegraph.