The cancer cells have spread to the bones. Biden’s wife says he will have to live with cancer for the rest of his life.
Former First Lady Jill Biden has published a new memoir, in which she speaks publicly for the first time about her withdrawal from the presidential race and her health. (Reuters) Former US First Lady Jill Biden recently promoted her new memoir, “View from the East Wing,” revealing for the first time the struggles she faced when she withdrew from the race, as well as her advanced age and her current struggle with cancer.
In an interview with NBC, Jill Biden recalled that during the televised debate between Biden and Donald Trump on June 27, 2024 , she was as shocked and frightened as all the viewers. “I was watching the debate and I was terrified. I kept thinking, ‘What’s going on?” she said.
After the debate, Biden went down to the stage and confessed to her, “Jill, did I mess up?” She replied directly, “Yes, you definitely messed up.” However, at a supporters’ event after the debate that evening, Jill publicly praised her husband’s performance, saying, “Joe, you did a great job. You answered every question and had all the facts.” This statement drew criticism at the time.
In response, Jill explained that her thinking at the time was very simple. “I am his wife, and I have to encourage him.” She stated that she couldn’t stand on stage criticizing her husband in front of his supporters. She emphasized that regardless of how others interpret it, she must support her husband. “This is how we are; I have to stand by his side.”
When discussing her husband’s age, Jill admitted that Biden has indeed aged during his presidency. “He’s getting older, we can all see it. He forgets some words, but we’re all getting older.” However, she said that doctors have consistently assured the family that Biden is in good health, and she has personally witnessed her husband working late into the night every day. “Yes, I noticed he was a little slower; he would occasionally stutter when he was tired at night. But he was still fulfilling his duties and doing them very well.”
In addition, Jill also discussed the news that Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2025. Biden’s office revealed at the time that he had an aggressive prostate cancer that had spread to his bones and began radiation therapy last fall. Jill stated that her husband’s condition is currently manageable, but his illness is different from typical prostate cancer. “If it were just prostate cancer, there would be a chance of a cure; but since the cancer cells have metastasized to the bones, the situation is completely different.” She admitted that Biden will likely have to live with cancer for a long time, “I think Joe will live with cancer for the rest of his life.”