Joseph R. Biden Jr., the 46th President of the United States, has died peacefully at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, at the age of 81. Surrounded by family, he is believed to have passed from natural causes, marking the end of a political career that spanned over 50 years and left a lasting impact on American history.
Biden’s legacy is defined by his resilience, empathy, and deep connection with everyday Americans. Beginning his political journey in 1973 as a U.S. Senator from Delaware, he served in the Senate for decades before becoming Vice President under Barack Obama. In 2020, he was elected President, defeating incumbent Donald Trump during a contentious and pivotal election.
As President from 2021 to 2025, Biden faced historic challenges. He guided the country through the COVID-19 pandemic, pushed forward economic recovery plans, and championed major infrastructure and climate change initiatives. His presidency aimed to restore unity and stability amid political polarization and global uncertainty.
Tributes from across the political spectrum and around the world poured in following his death. Former President Barack Obama remembered him as “a man of deep faith, unwavering principles, and extraordinary kindness,” while the current President called him “a steady hand in turbulent times” and ordered flags flown at half-staff.
Biden’s political career was deeply shaped by personal tragedy. He lost his first wife and infant daughter in a 1972 car accident, and his son Beau in 2015 to cancer. These experiences infused his public life with a unique compassion and a genuine focus on family, which he often credited as his source of strength.
His bond with his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, and his deep devotion to their children and grandchildren were central to his public image. He frequently emphasized the importance of love, purpose, and making the world a better place.
A national memorial will be held in Washington, D.C., followed by a private burial in Delaware. Biden’s final Christmas address now holds even more weight: “Hold your loved ones close. Believe in the good this country can do. And never, ever give up on hope.”
