Hunter Biden has disclosed that his father, former US president Joe Biden, is suffering from prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of his body, causing significant pain and debilitation. In a BBC interview broadcast on Friday, Hunter Biden described the emotional toll of watching his father's health decline.
Cancer Spread and Impact
“The cancer has spread, metastasized into his bones and further,” Hunter Biden said. “It’s very painful and it’s very debilitating in many respects.” The 83-year-old former president, who was the oldest person to serve in the Oval Office, revealed his diagnosis in May of last year, less than four months after leaving the White House.
Hunter Biden expressed that the diagnosis has been hard on the family. “It’s really sad to watch,” he said. “The only thing that I’d say about my dad, about his health right now, is I wish he would complain more, because it’s not good.” Despite the severity, he noted that his father remains active in public life, continuing to speak on issues he cares about.
Continued Public Engagement
“He’s still doing his thing,” Hunter Biden said. “He so believes in this country.” The former president has faced criticism for allegedly concealing the extent of his health problems, particularly after a disastrous debate performance that led to his withdrawal from the 2024 re-election race.
In the interview, Hunter Biden also addressed the pardon his father granted him, expressing gratitude while acknowledging the controversy. “It is something that is easily criticized and for good reason,” he said. “All I know is that I’m grateful he did it for me, and all I can say to anybody out there is, what would you have thought of my dad if he did not do that for me?”
Upcoming Memoir
Joe Biden is set to publish a memoir, Promise Me, America, after the midterm elections. The book is expected to cover his presidency and personal reflections, likely including his health journey.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
