Jill Biden has shared details about her husband Joe Biden’s battle with stage 4 prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones, during recent media appearances.
The former first lady, 75, discussed the emotional weight of navigating her husband’s illness during an interview on the Jaime Kern Lima Show this week. She reflected on coping strategies and how the couple approaches uncertainty about the future.
What Jill Biden Said
“Of course I’m scared,” Jill Biden said. “I mean, first of all, he’s almost 10 years older than I am. And with an illness … you kinda can’t let your head go there.”
She described her approach to managing the crisis by focusing on the present moment rather than catastrophizing about what may come. “We look at it like, ‘Joe has cancer. He’s gonna die, so let’s make the most of every moment,'” she said.
The former first lady characterized Joe Biden as “strong” and “resilient” throughout his medical treatment. She noted that her husband has not shared fears about his condition with her, which aligns with how he has historically handled adversity.
Updates on His Condition
Joe Biden’s prostate cancer diagnosis was made public last year and has since progressed to stage 4, with metastasis to his bones. During a June appearance on NBC’s Today, Jill Biden said her husband was “doing okay” while continuing treatment.
Jill Biden Says ‘Of Course I’m Scared’ of Losing Husband Joe: ‘He’s Gonna Die, So Let’s Make the Most of Every Moment’ https://t.co/0OpDpJ7MUM
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However, she acknowledged that the cancer’s spread to his skeletal system has fundamentally altered his prognosis. “I think Joe will live with cancer ’til the rest of his life,” she stated.
In a BBC interview, Hunter Biden, the former president’s son, described his father’s condition as “very painful” and “very debilitating.” He expressed concern about his father’s stoicism in the face of serious illness, saying he wished his dad would “complain more.”
Family and Future
Hunter Biden emphasized that his father remains the “center of our family” despite his health challenges. He described Joe Biden as the “best father, the best husband, the best grandfather.”
The former president’s health became a significant consideration during his time in office as he deliberated over seeking a second term. Questions about his capacity to complete another full presidency ultimately factored into his political calculations.
This story has been updated. CNN’s health and politics team contributed to this report.
