Joe Biden made his first public appearance since cancer announcement by attending his grandson’s high school graduation ceremony.
Former President Joe Biden made his first public appearance since disclosing his battle with aggressive prostate cancer.
The occasion was a personal and joyous one, his grandson’s high school graduation in Connecticut.
Joe Biden emerged publicly for first time at grandson’s graduation following his cancer diagnosis
On Friday, Biden attended the graduation ceremony of his 18-year-old grandson, Robert Hunter Biden II, at Salisbury School.
He was joined by daughter Ashley Biden and his wife, former First Lady Jill Biden.
The event marked a rare family gathering in light of Biden’s recent health revelation.
Photos shared from the event showed a smiling Biden posing with family members.
Jill Biden posted one snapshot online, writing, “Proud Nana and Pop! Congratulations Hunter — we are so proud of you.”
Biden’s health announcement came days before major book release
Just last week, the former president disclosed that he had been diagnosed with an aggressive and advanced form of prostate cancer.
According to his spokesperson, the cancer had metastasized to his bones. It was detected with a Gleason score of 9 out of 10, indicating a highly aggressive case.
The announcement came just before the release of a controversial book called “Original Sin.”
The book claims there was an effort to hide the true severity of Biden’s health in recent months.
Hunter Biden’s son graduates amid family controversies
Robert Hunter Biden II is the son of the late Beau Biden, who died in 2015 from brain cancer, and Hallie Biden.
The Biden family has remained close-knit, despite some turbulent chapters in their recent history.
Hallie, who was previously in a relationship with Beau, later had a controversial relationship with Hunter Biden, Joe’s surviving son.
She was a key witness in Hunter Biden’s criminal trial last year, where she testified about his drug use.
Since then, Hallie has remarried John Hopkins Anning, a financial broker from Cincinnati.
Despite this, she seems to have maintained a positive relationship with the Biden family.
The former president spotted at airport and restaurant before ceremony.
In the days before the graduation, social media users posted videos of Biden walking through an unidentified airport. This marked his first public sighting since his diagnosis.
Additionally, Biden and several family members were seen dining at the Woodland Restaurant in Connecticut.
The restaurant later shared a photo and message on Instagram: “He was so gracious and thoughtful in conversations with staff and guests.
Congratulations to his grandson on his graduation.”
Joe Biden shares heartfelt messages after disclosing cancer battle
Following his cancer diagnosis announcement, Biden posted a photo with Jill and their pet cat, expressing gratitude for the wave of public support.
“Cancer touches us all,” the former president wrote. “Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”
Biden’s team revealed his cancer is hormone-sensitive and manageable with current treatments.
However, many medical experts have observed the disease appears quite advanced.
A spokesperson clarified that Biden had not been screened for prostate cancer in over ten years and was officially diagnosed on May 16.
Delayed testing raises concerns the cancer may have developed unnoticed for a long time.