Washington, D.C. — First Lady Jill Biden publicly revealed that President Joe Biden is battling stage four prostate cancer, which has spread to his bones. This revelation came during her June 2, 2026, appearance on “The View.” Despite the prognosis, the first lady assured audiences that her husband, 83, is managing his commitments and maintaining an active lifestyle.
The first lady described her husband’s condition as challenging but noted he remains resilient. “He’s doing OK. He continues to travel to Washington on Amtrak multiple times a month, engaging in speaking engagements at Democratic rallies and pursuing his writing,” she stated. Jill Biden highlighted that cancer affects many families, acknowledging the emotional toll involved in such a diagnosis.
President Biden’s journey began in May 2025 after he reported urinary symptoms to his healthcare team. The subsequent diagnosis revealed the cancer had already metastasized, though his medical team indicated that it was “hormone-sensitive,” suggesting potential for effective management. However, the first lady articulated that the spread to his bones significantly changed the situation. “If he had been diagnosed with just prostate cancer, there might have been hope for a cure,” she explained.
Medical experts have noted that aggressive forms of metastatic prostate cancer typically allow patients to live an average of four to five years following diagnosis. Following the public announcement, President Biden underwent a round of radiation therapy aimed at managing his condition. Jill Biden discussed the Bidens’ adherence to medical guidelines, which had not included routine prostate-specific antigen tests for men over 70.
The first lady’s media appearances also revisited pivotal moments in the Biden presidency, particularly the June 2024 debate against Donald Trump. That night, many raised concerns about the president’s performance, leading to heightened speculation about his reelection plans. Reflecting on that debate, Jill Biden expressed shock and fear, stating, “I thought, ‘Oh my God, he’s having a stroke.’”
In her memoir, she conveyed her distress at witnessing what she felt was a diminished version of her husband on stage. Following the debate, the president and first lady shared a candid moment as he acknowledged, “I really messed up, didn’t I?” to which she confirmed, “Yeah, Joe, you did.” Despite her concerns, their campaign continued to focus on the remaining events that evening.
When prompted about the decision for President Biden to stay in the race despite criticisms, Jill Biden emphasized that the choice was ultimately his. She responded to public figures questioning her husband’s capability by noting that aging is a natural process everyone experiences. “We were all aging. There were signs, of course, but he was still Joe,” she stated.
As to whether she believed her husband could serve another term in light of his diagnosis, Jill Biden’s views have evolved drastically. Reflecting on their lives before the cancer diagnosis, she revealed that the shocking news altered their future plans, remarking, “It changed our whole life.”
The Bidens continue to navigate their personal and public lives amid this significant health challenge. As they deal with the implications of his condition, the first lady shared her commitment to supporting her husband while advocating for awareness and understanding around cancer.