The strain of her shock election defeat was clearly etched across Hillary Clinton 's face as she faced the media spotlight once again on Wednesday night.
The Democratic nominee appeared exhausted and deflated as she spoke for the first time following her concession last week.
Clinton, 69, admitted that her first public appearance following Donald Trump's victory "wasn't the easiest" for her but she made it through in a stoic manner.
The former First Lady appeared at the Children's Defense Fund's Beat The Odds Gala at Newseum in Washington, D.C.
Addressing the audience, a weary Clinton said: "I will admit, coming here tonight wasn't the easiest thing for me.
"There have been a few times this past week where all I wanted to do was curl up with a good book and our dogs and never leave the house again."
Clinton went on to acknowledge the disappointment of many Americans following the election.
Though she won the US popular vote, she lost the electoral vote 232-306, in favour of now-President-elect Donald Trump.
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"But as I said last week, our campaign was never about one person or even one election."
Above all, Clinton said she remains hopeful for the future, and emphasised that "America is worth it" and to "never, ever give up."
The former Secretary of State added: "I know this isn't easy. I know that over the past week a lot of people have asked themselves whether America is the country we thought it was.
"The divisions laid bare by this election run deep. But please listen to me when I say this: America is worth it. Our children are worth it.
"Believe in our country, fight for our values and never, ever give up."
