Politics & World • US politics

Biden family

The Biden family is the immediate and extended family of Joseph R.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Biden family is the immediate and extended family of Joseph R. Biden Jr., the 46th president of the United States. Members of the family have been involved in law, education, activism, business, and politics, and the family served as the U.S. first family from 2021 to 2025 and the second family from 2009 to 2017. The family is relevant to Canadian readers because Joe Biden was U.S. president during major Canada–U.S. policy discussions, including trade, security, and climate co-operation.

Overview

The Biden family includes the immediate and extended relatives of Joe Biden. The family gained public visibility through Joe Biden's roles as vice president from 2009 to 2017 and as president from 2021 to 2025.

Immediate family

Joe Biden married Jill Biden, who became the first lady during his presidency. Biden had four children: Beau, Hunter, Ashley, and Naomi. Beau and Naomi died young, while Hunter and Ashley are living. Neilia Biden, Joe Biden's first wife, died in a car accident in 1972.

Public life and political prominence

Family members became part of U.S. political life through Joe Biden's career. Hunter Biden, in particular, has received public scrutiny and media attention.

Ancestry and background

Sources describe the Biden family as having ancestry largely from the British Isles, especially Ireland and England, with smaller French ancestry.

Key facts

Joe Biden's immediate family became the U.S. first family when he was inaugurated president in 2021.
The family previously served as the second family of the United States during his vice presidency from 2009 to 2017.
Joe Biden's children were Beau Biden, Hunter Biden, Ashley Biden, and Naomi Biden, though Beau and Naomi died young.
Jill Biden is Joe Biden's wife and the only first lady in this family.
Sources describe the family as having ancestry largely from the British Isles, especially Ireland and England.

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Canadian context

The Biden family is relevant to Canadian readers because Joe Biden was U.S. president during major Canada–U.S. policy discussions, including trade, security, and climate co-operation.

Frequently asked questions

Who are the members of the Biden family?

The core Biden family includes Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Joe Biden's children, and their grandchildren, along with Joe Biden's siblings and broader extended relatives.

How many children does Joe Biden have?

Joe Biden had four children: Beau, Hunter, Ashley, and Naomi. Beau and Naomi died, while Hunter and Ashley are living.

Was the Biden family ever the first family of the United States?

Yes. The family was the first family from 2021 to 2025 during Joe Biden's presidency.

Was the Biden family ever the second family of the United States?

Yes. The family was the second family from 2009 to 2017 during Joe Biden's vice presidency.

What is the Biden family's ancestry?

Available summaries describe the family as mostly descended from the British Isles, especially Ireland and England, with some French ancestry.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Family_of_Joe_Biden
Supports: Overview of the family, first family and second family status, and ancestral background
Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Biden
Supports: Joe Biden's presidency, vice presidency, and children
People — https://people.com/politics/joe-biden-kids-everything-to-know/
Supports: Joe Biden's children and family relationships
Business Insider — https://www.businessinsider.com/joe-biden-family-hunter-jill-ashley-frank-james-valerie-caroline-2020-12
Supports: Immediate and extended family members and public prominence