Former First Lady Dr. Jill Biden shared a candid health update about her husband, former President Joe Biden, revealing he will live with stage 4 prostate cancer for the remainder of his life. The 83-year-old former president received the diagnosis after leaving the White House in 2025, and the cancer has metastasized to his bones. Despite the serious prognosis, Biden maintains an active schedule, though his wife notes he has visibly slowed down due to the combination of his age and ongoing treatment.
During a discussion with political commentator and “The View” co-host Ana Navarro for her new memoir “View From the East Wing: A Memoir,” Jill Biden explained how the diagnosis came about. She recalled noticing her husband was getting up seven times a night to use the bathroom while still in the White House, assuming the medical team would address the issue. When the problem persisted after they left office, she insisted he see a urologist.
Doctor discovered cancer during first appointment
The former first lady recounted that during Joe Biden’s initial visit to the urologist, the doctor immediately said there was something concerning and ordered a CAT scan. The revelation caught her completely off guard. She admitted she never imagined it would be prostate cancer, a diagnosis that would fundamentally change their lives.
Unlike some prostate cancer cases that can be cured with treatment, Biden’s situation is far more complex. The stage 4 classification means the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland to other parts of his body, specifically his bones. This metastasis puts the former president’s condition on an entirely different level, requiring lifelong management rather than a potential cure. He currently takes special medications to manage the disease and underwent five weeks of radiation therapy that required constant travel from their Delaware home to Philadelphia.
Treatment took physical and emotional toll on couple
Jill Biden described the grueling nature of the treatment process, particularly the radiation regimen. For five consecutive weeks, the couple made regular trips from Delaware to Philadelphia, a journey that took its toll on both of them. She noted that dealing with stage 4 cancer at age 83, combined with the medications required, has made daily life more difficult for her husband.
Despite these challenges, the former president maintains a remarkably busy schedule. On the Friday before her interview, he attended a Democratic Party event in South Dakota. Saturday found him at a friend’s wedding, and Sunday he was scheduled to be in Philadelphia. However, Jill Biden acknowledged the reality that he has slowed down considerably, a natural consequence of battling advanced cancer while in his eighties.
Former first lady assumes primary caretaker role
When asked about her own experience managing the situation, Jill Biden described the demanding nature of being a caretaker, though she noted her husband would likely object to that characterization. She handles all the logistical details of his care, shouldering responsibilities that extend far beyond emotional support.
- Ensures he receives the correct medications on schedule
- Serves as primary liaison with all medical professionals
- Coordinates and schedules all medical appointments
- Monitors his diet and ensures proper nutrition
- Manages communication with the treatment team
The former first lady emphasized that these responsibilities fall entirely on her shoulders. She communicates with doctors, sets up appointments, manages medication schedules, and ensures her husband maintains a healthy diet. The weight of these tasks adds another layer to an already challenging situation.
Biden announced diagnosis in May 2025
Joe Biden publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis in May 2025, months after leaving the presidency. Earlier this week, Jill Biden appeared on the “Today” show and reported that her husband is doing okay under the circumstances. She mentioned he continues traveling on Amtrak, making speeches, and recently attended the Delaware Memorial Bridge ceremony honoring veterans. While he remains active, she consistently emphasizes the reality that he lives with stage 4 cancer.
The memoir discussion also touched on other significant moments from their time in office, including the painful decision for Biden to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race following a disastrous debate performance in June 2024. Jill Biden recalled her husband turning to her at their Delaware home and saying he had no choice but to drop out. She found it particularly hurtful when longtime Democratic friends and colleagues publicly called for his withdrawal, including former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was believed to have led private efforts to convince him to leave the race.
Relationship with party leaders remains complicated
The 75-year-old former first lady revealed that while her husband reconciled with Pelosi at a funeral in January 2025, she personally has not spoken to the former Speaker. She expressed belief that a double standard exists in how conversations about age and mental acuity were handled between her husband and President Donald Trump, who turns 80 on June 14.
Looking forward to future presidential elections after Trump leaves office, Jill Biden outlined the qualities she hopes to see in the next leader. She emphasized the importance of integrity, trustworthiness, and empathy, though she declined to name specific individuals. She characterized these traits as reflective of the American people themselves, representing the core values of the nation.
