Joe Biden, the 46th President of the United States, has always placed a high priority on his family, a value that has guided his long career in public service. His dedication to family is evident in the strong bonds he maintains with his children, grandchildren, and wife, Dr. Jill Biden. Despite enduring significant personal tragedies, Biden has managed to keep his family at the heart of his life and work.
Tragedy Strikes Early
The tragedy that profoundly shaped Biden’s life and career occurred on December 18, 1972. Biden’s first wife, Neilia Hunter, and their 1-year-old daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car accident. Neilia was driving with their three children to pick up a Christmas tree when their car was struck by a tractor-trailer. While their sons, Beau and Hunter, survived with serious injuries, Neilia and Naomi did not. This devastating event came just weeks after Biden was elected to the U.S. Senate as one of the youngest senators in American history.
The loss of Neilia and Naomi left Biden grappling with immense grief. He has often spoken about the “black hole” he felt in his chest and the overwhelming sorrow that followed. Despite this, Biden decided to continue his public service career, commuting daily from Wilmington, Delaware, to Washington, D.C., to ensure he could spend as much time as possible with his surviving sons.
Family Support and Healing
Biden credits his recovery and resilience to the unwavering support of his family. His siblings, Valerie, Jim, and Frank, played a crucial role in helping him raise his sons. In an interview on the “On Purpose With Jay Shetty” podcast, Biden described his siblings as his best friends, emphasizing how they were there for him during the most challenging times of his life.
In 1977, Biden married Jill Tracy Jacobs, who he often refers to as the “second great love” of his life. The couple met on a blind date arranged by Biden’s brother, Frank. Jill brought new hope and stability to Biden’s life, and together, they have a daughter, Ashley. Biden has frequently expressed his deep love for both his late wife Neilia and his current wife Jill, stating that he knew he wanted to marry each of them after their first dates.
Commitment to Family Values
Throughout his political career, Biden has maintained an unwritten rule to prioritize family responsibilities. His commitment to family is evident in his close relationships with his children and grandchildren. His granddaughters—Finnegan, Maisy, Natalie, and Naomi—and his daughter, Ashley, have all spoken about how he calls them daily, making a consistent effort to be an active figure in their lives. This dedication to family has not only provided Biden with emotional support but also shaped his policies and political outlook, particularly his support for working parents.
Remembering Neilia Hunter Biden
Neilia Hunter Biden, born on July 28, 1942, in Skaneateles, New York, was the daughter of diner owners and grew up in the Finger Lakes region. She was an active student at Penn Hall, a boarding school in Pennsylvania, and later attended Syracuse University, where she met Biden during a spring break trip to Nassau, Bahamas. Despite her Republican upbringing and her family’s initial misgivings about Biden, a Democrat, Neilia played a significant role in his early political career, serving as the “brains” behind his first campaign for the U.S. Senate.
Neilia’s death left a lasting impact on Biden, who has kept her memory alive through his words and actions. Her influence continues to be felt in the way Biden approaches his work and his family life, always striving to balance his responsibilities and stay connected to his loved ones.
A Life of Resilience and Dedication
In the decades following the tragic accident, Biden’s life has been marked by both professional achievements and personal losses. His son Beau, who survived the car accident as a child, tragically passed away from brain cancer in 2015. This loss was another significant blow to Biden, but his enduring commitment to his family and his resilience helped him navigate through the grief.
In 2022, Biden marked the 50th anniversary of Neilia and Naomi’s death by attending a Catholic mass and visiting their graves, accompanied by several family members. This solemn commemoration underscored the lasting impact of their loss on his life and the enduring bond he shares with his family.
Conclusion
Joe Biden’s story is one of profound loss, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to family. His journey from a young senator struck by tragedy to the President of the United States is a testament to the strength he draws from his loved ones. Despite the challenges he has faced, Biden’s dedication to his family remains a central part of his identity and continues to influence his approach to life and leadership. Through his ongoing efforts to stay connected with his children and grandchildren, Biden exemplifies the importance of family values in both personal and public life.
