The United States is in mourning following the passing of Joseph R. Biden Jr., the 46th President of the United States, who died peacefully at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 22, 2025. Surrounded by his family, Biden’s death closes the final chapter of a life that spanned more than eight decades and half a century of public service. He was 81 years old.

The cause of death has not been formally disclosed, though those close to the family have cited natural causes after years of health struggles and the natural wear of a long, demanding life in politics. His passing marks the end of a remarkable journey—one shaped as much by personal tragedy as by political triumph.

From Scranton to the Senate

Born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 1942, Biden was raised in a working-class family that later relocated to Delaware. He graduated from the University of Delaware and Syracuse University’s College of Law before launching his career in public service. In 1972, at just 29 years old, Biden was elected to the U.S. Senate, one of the youngest in history.

That same year, his life was shattered when his wife Neilia and their infant daughter Naomi were killed in a car crash, leaving Biden to raise his two surviving sons, Beau and Hunter, as a single father. He famously took the oath of office for the Senate at his sons’ hospital bedside and commuted daily from Delaware to Washington to be with his family—a routine that became emblematic of his priorities and devotion.

A Career of Resilience

Biden went on to serve in the Senate for 36 years, carving out a reputation for bipartisan deal-making and a deep focus on foreign policy. He chaired both the Senate Judiciary and Foreign Relations Committees, playing key roles in legislation that spanned criminal justice reform, arms control, and U.S. military interventions.

Despite setbacks, including failed presidential bids in 1988 and 2008, Biden’s persistence remained unshaken. In 2008, Barack Obama chose him as his running mate, valuing his decades of experience and relatability with working-class voters. Together, they won two terms in the White House, where Biden served as Vice President from 2009 to 2017. He was a key figure in passing the Affordable Care Act, overseeing the Recovery Act after the 2008 financial crisis, and shaping U.S. policy in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Presidency

In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic and deep political division, Biden mounted a successful campaign for the presidency, defeating incumbent Donald Trump. His victory was hailed as a return to decency and stability by supporters, though his time in office was marked by fierce partisan divides.

As president, Biden prioritized pandemic response, economic recovery, infrastructure, and climate policy. He signed into law the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the most significant infrastructure bill in decades, and pushed ambitious initiatives on renewable energy and carbon reduction. Internationally, he sought to repair alliances strained during the Trump era, rejoining the Paris Climate Agreement and reaffirming U.S. commitments to NATO.

Critics often pointed to his age, his occasional verbal stumbles, and challenges in uniting a sharply divided Congress. Yet Biden’s presidency was also defined by empathy, particularly during national tragedies. His ability to console grieving families—borne from his own losses—remained one of his most distinctive traits.

Personal Tragedies

Biden’s life was repeatedly shaped by loss. In 2015, his eldest son, Beau Biden, the Attorney General of Delaware, died from brain cancer at just 46 years old. Biden later described Beau’s death as the most crushing blow of his life. The tragedy influenced his decision not to run for president in 2016, and it became central to his mission to fund cancer research, leading to the creation of the “Cancer Moonshot” initiative.

Despite enduring such pain, Biden leaned heavily on his Catholic faith and his deep family bonds. He often reminded Americans that grief, while devastating, could coexist with hope.

An Enduring Legacy

Biden’s death has prompted tributes from across the political spectrum and around the world. Former President Barack Obama described him as “a brother, a partner, and the soul of America at its best,” while world leaders praised his steady hand and lifelong commitment to democracy.

Supporters recall him as a president who led with compassion and humility. Even detractors acknowledge his resilience in the face of personal and political hardship. His story embodies the American ideal that perseverance can overcome tragedy.

For many, Biden will be remembered as much for his humanity as his politics: the man who rode Amtrak daily to be with his children, the father who buried two children, the husband who loved deeply, and the leader who comforted a grieving nation during a global crisis.

Final Days and Farewell

In the days leading up to his passing, Biden reportedly spent quiet moments with his wife, First Lady Jill Biden, his children, and grandchildren. Those close to him say he remained sharp, warm, and focused on his family’s future until the very end.

Funeral arrangements are expected to include a state service in Washington, D.C., followed by burial in Delaware alongside his late wife Neilia, daughter Naomi, and son Beau. Flags across the country have already been ordered to half-staff.

Conclusion

Joseph R. Biden Jr. lived a life defined by service, sacrifice, and survival. From the streets of Scranton to the Oval Office, his journey reflected both the promise and pain of the American story. His presidency may be debated for years to come, but his humanity, resilience, and empathy remain undeniable.

As the nation mourns, one of his oft-repeated lines resonates more than ever:

“America is an idea. An idea stronger than any army, bigger than any ocean, more powerful than any dictator or tyrant. It instills in every person the belief that no matter where you start in life, there’s nothing you can’t achieve if you work at it.”

Joe Biden believed in that idea until his final breath—and left behind a legacy that will endure in American history.