Former First Lady Jill Biden announced in June 2026 that her husband, former President Joe Biden, is managing a terminal cancer diagnosis. According to reports from the Associated Press and Newsweek, the 83-year-old former president is receiving ongoing medical care for cancer that has spread to his bones. Jill Biden confirmed that doctors have informed the family he will live with the condition for the remainder of his life.
Medical Status of Former President Joe Biden
The public update regarding Joe Biden’s health arrives more than a year after his initial diagnosis. As reported by Newsweek, the former president’s prostate cancer diagnosis was first disclosed in May 2025, four months after he concluded his term in the White House. While his office initially confirmed the cancer had become aggressive and metastasized to his bones, subsequent updates remained infrequent.
In a recent interview with the Associated Press, Jill Biden provided a candid assessment of her husband’s current condition. She noted that while he has "slowed down" due to the physical toll of his treatment, he remains active. According to the former first lady, he continues to travel to Washington, D.C., on a weekly basis to attend meetings and deliver speeches.
Context of the Former President’s Retirement
Joe Biden’s post-presidency follows his decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race. He left office on January 20, 2025, following his 2020 election victory where he defeated incumbent Donald Trump. Since leaving the White House, the former president has maintained a limited public schedule, which has included appearances at events such as the funeral for the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
The former first lady’s recent comments coincided with the June 2, 2026, release of her memoir, View from the East Wing: A Memoir. The book offers a retrospective on her four years in the White House, addressing the challenges of the final year of her husband’s administration and the public scrutiny regarding his health during his time in office.
Key Facts Regarding the Biden Family
- Diagnosis: Joe Biden is currently living with bone cancer, a condition disclosed by the family in May 2025.
- Prognosis: Jill Biden stated that medical professionals have indicated her husband will live with the disease for the duration of his natural life.
- Recent Activity: Despite the demands of his medical treatment, the former president continues to visit Washington, D.C., for professional engagements.
- Memoir Release: Jill Biden released her book, View from the East Wing, on June 2, 2026, providing further personal insight into the family’s experiences during and after their time in the White House.