'I Wish He Would Complain More': Hunter Biden Opens Up About Watching His Father's Cancer Battle

Hunter Biden is reflecting on watching his father, former President Joe Biden, navigate his journey with stage 4 prostate cancer. In a new interview with the BBC's Newsnight, released on Friday, Aug. 7, the 56-year-old spoke candidly about the emotional toll of witnessing his father's health struggles.

"Cancer is really hard," Hunter said. "It's really sad to watch."

The Biden family announced Joe's stage 4 prostate cancer diagnosis in May 2025. They said his cancer was "characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone." "While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive, which allows for effective management," the Biden family's statement read. "The President and his family are reviewing treatment options with his physicians."

A Family's Private Struggle

In his Newsnight interview, Hunter said his father is still the "center of our family," calling him the "best father, the best husband, the best grandfather." He said Joe's cancer had spread, calling it "very painful" and "very debilitating."

"The only thing that I say about my dad, about his health right now, is I wish he would complain more," Hunter told Newsnight.

The comment reveals a son's concern for a father who has always been known for his resilience and determination. Joe Biden, who served as the 46th president of the United States, has faced numerous personal tragedies throughout his life the loss of his first wife and infant daughter in a car accident, the death of his son Beau from brain cancer in 2015 and has consistently shown a remarkable ability to persevere in the face of adversity. But as Hunter's words suggest, even the strongest among us need moments of vulnerability.

Jill Biden's Perspective

During a June 1 Today show appearance, former first lady Dr. Jill Biden said her husband is "doing OK." "I think if he had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, that's one thing, because that can be cured, but the fact that it metastasized to his bones, that makes it a whole different story," Jill, 74, told Today co-host Craig Melvin at the time.

"I think Joe will live with cancer till the rest of his life," she continued.

Jill also shared an update about Joe's health on the Wednesday, Aug. 5, episode of SiriusXM's Let's Talk Off Camera with Kelly Ripa, where she also mentioned that the former president will "live forever with cancer." "Anybody who's gone through this cancer journey and I've been through it many times with members of my family, of course with Beau, it's constant," Jill told Ripa. "It's daily. And I think it's challenging."

Her words echo the reality that many families face when a loved one is diagnosed with a terminal illness. The battle is not just physical but emotional and psychological as well. The constant worry, the daily adjustments, and the need to find joy in small moments are all part of the journey.

A Family's History with Cancer

Joe's oldest son, Beau Biden, died from brain cancer in 2015. He was 46. The loss of Beau, who had served as Delaware's attorney general and was widely seen as a rising political star, was a devastating blow to the Biden family. Joe Biden has often spoken about the impact of Beau's death on his life and his decision not to run for president in 2016.

The family's history with cancer makes Joe's diagnosis particularly painful. The Bidens have been advocates for cancer research and treatment, with Joe Biden championing the Cancer Moonshot initiative during his time in office. The irony of a man who has fought so hard for cancer research now facing his own battle is not lost on those close to him.

Treatment and Prognosis

In October 2025, a spokesperson for Joe told PEOPLE that he was undergoing radiation therapy and hormone treatment. At the time, sources told PEOPLE that he was doing well and responding to treatment. The treatment regimen, which includes radiation and hormone therapy, is a common approach for prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone. It can help manage symptoms, slow the progression of the disease, and improve quality of life.

The fact that Joe's cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive is a positive sign. Hormone-sensitive cancers can often be managed effectively for years. However, Jill Biden's statement that he will "live forever with cancer" underscores the reality that this is not a disease that will be cured, but rather one that will be managed for the rest of his life.

A Father's Legacy

Hunter's comments about his father's health reveal a son's deep concern and love. The father-son relationship has been well-documented over the years, with Hunter often speaking about his father's influence on his life. In his recent interview, Hunter described his father as the "center of our family," a role that Joe Biden has always embraced.

As Joe Biden continues his treatment, the family remains focused on supporting him. The journey ahead is uncertain, but the Bidens have shown time and again that they can face challenges with grace and resilience.

Hunter Biden's candid remarks about his father's cancer battle offer a rare glimpse into the private struggles of a family that has been in the public eye for decades. From the loss of Beau to Joe's own diagnosis, the Bidens have faced more than their share of heartbreak.

But through it all, they have remained a close-knit family, supporting each other through the most difficult of times. Hunter's wish that his father would complain more reveals a simple but profound truth: sometimes, the strongest people need to let themselves be vulnerable. And sometimes, the greatest gift we can give them is the space to do so.