Dr. Anthony S. Fauci appeared as the life of the party even during the deadly pandemic, according to his private diary entries. The New York Times obtained access to Fauci's personal writings, revealing a contrast between his public gravity and private levity.

Entries show he maintained social rituals and humor while steering the U.S. COVID-19 response. The diary covers 2020-2021, detailing late-night emails, policy debates, and moments of doubt. Fauci wrote of exhaustion but also resilience, noting "we keep dancing while the music plays." These musings humanize the nation's top infectious disease expert during its gravest health crisis.