First Lady Jill Biden said Saturday that President Joe Biden, 83, will live with stage 4 prostate cancer for the rest of his life. She noted that while the president maintains a busy schedule, he has slowed down because of his health.
Biden spoke during a discussion with political commentator Ana Navarro for Navarro’s new book, “View From the East Wing: A Memoir.” She recounted that during Biden’s presidency, he was waking up seven times a night to go to the bathroom. After leaving the White House in 2025, she urged him to see a urologist when the issue persisted. An initial appointment revealed concerns, leading to a CAT scan that diagnosed prostate cancer.
Biden admitted she was surprised to learn it was prostate cancer, and she said the diagnosis was stage four with metastasis to his bones. She explained that Biden is on specialized medication and has undergone radiation treatments, which required traveling regularly from Delaware to Philadelphia for five weeks. Despite his condition, she said he continues to attend events, including a recent trip to South Dakota and a wedding in Philadelphia.
She added that Biden has slowed down but remains active. “Stage four cancer is — and he’s 83 — so, I think the mix of everything and the medications that he’s taken has made life a little more difficult these days,” she said. Biden’s first public remarks since his diagnosis came last week, when she told the “Today” show that he is “doing OK” and continues to travel and give speeches.
Biden also discussed her role as caregiver, saying she handles his medications, doctor appointments, and nutrition. She described it as challenging and said she is responsible for managing his health details. Biden announced his diagnosis in May 2025.
Additionally, Biden touched on the decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race after a poor debate performance in June 2024. She recalled him telling her, “I have no choice,” when he made the decision to drop out. She also expressed hurt over some Democrats publicly urging him to leave the race, despite longstanding friendships.
Biden mentioned a reconciliation with Nancy Pelosi at a funeral in January but said she has not spoken to the former House speaker since. She criticized what she called a double standard in discussions of her husband’s age and mental acuity, comparing it to former President Donald Trump, who will turn 80 in June.
Looking ahead, Biden said she hopes the next president will embody integrity, trustworthiness, and empathy—qualities she says are representative of the American people, but she did not specify any candidates.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
