The nation is in mourning following the passing of Joseph R. Biden Jr., the 46th President of the United States, who died peacefully at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, at the age of 81. Surrounded by his family, Biden’s death, believed to be from natural causes, marks the close of a public career that spanned more than five decades and left a lasting imprint on American history.
Biden’s journey in politics began with his election to the U.S. Senate from Delaware in 1972, making him one of the youngest senators in history. He went on to serve as Vice President under Barack Obama from 2009 to 2017 and as President from 2021 to 2025. Throughout his tenure, he was known for his empathy, steady leadership, and deep connection with everyday Americans. His presidency oversaw the nation’s continued recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, historic investments in infrastructure, and ambitious climate action initiatives.
Tributes have poured in from across the political spectrum and around the globe. Former President Barack Obama remembered him as “a man of deep faith, unwavering principles, and extraordinary kindness.” The current President ordered flags to be flown at half-staff, calling Biden “a steady hand in turbulent times.”
Biden’s public service was shaped by profound personal tragedy. In 1972, just weeks after his Senate election, his first wife and infant daughter were killed in a car accident, leaving him to raise his two surviving sons. In 2015, he endured the loss of his eldest son, Beau Biden, to brain cancer. Through these hardships, Biden often spoke about resilience, hope, and the importance of family. His enduring partnership with his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, and his devotion to his children and grandchildren became a defining part of his legacy.
Plans are underway for a national memorial service in Washington, D.C., followed by a private burial in Delaware. As the country reflects on his life, many recall his parting words from his final Christmas address as President: “Hold your loved ones close. Believe in the good this country can do. And never, ever give up on hope.”
Joe Biden leaves behind a legacy of service, compassion, and a belief in America’s capacity to meet its greatest challenges with unity and determination.
