President Joe Biden, the 46th president of the United States, died at 81 on Friday after suffering a stroke at the White House, his office announced.
Biden, who took office in January 2021, was the oldest person to be elected president in U.S. history. He had a history of aneurysms and underwent surgery in 1988 and 2019 to repair them.
Biden was rushed to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday morning after collapsing in his office. He was pronounced dead at 12:15 p.m. EST, surrounded by his family and close aides.
Vice President Kamala Harris, who was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States shortly after Biden’s death, expressed her grief and condolences in a televised address.
“Today, we lost a great leader, a great friend, and a great American. President Joe Biden was a man of courage, compassion, and integrity. He dedicated his life to serving his country and fighting for the dignity and rights of all people. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and brother. He will be deeply missed by millions of Americans and people around the world,” Harris said.
Harris also praised Biden’s achievements as president, such as leading the nation’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, passing the American Rescue Plan, rejoining the Paris climate accord, restoring U.S. alliances, and advancing racial justice and democracy.
“President Biden leaves behind a legacy of hope, healing, and unity. He inspired us to be better than we are, to dream bigger than we dare, and to work harder than we think. He showed us that with empathy, decency, and determination, anything is possible. He was a president for all Americans, and he made us proud,” Harris said.
Harris also vowed to honor Biden’s memory by continuing his agenda and vision for the country.
“As your president, I will do everything in my power to uphold the values and principles that President Biden embodied and championed. I will work with Congress and our partners around the world to build back better, stronger, and fairer. I will strive to heal our nation’s wounds, bridge our divides, and restore our soul. I will be a president for all Americans, no matter who you are or where you come from,” Harris said.
Harris also asked the nation to join her in a moment of silence to pay tribute to Biden and his family.
“President Joe Biden was a patriot, a statesman, and a hero. He gave his all to this country and asked nothing in return. He was a friend to me and to many others. He was a loving husband to Jill, a devoted father to Hunter and Ashley, and a proud grandfather to Naomi, Finnegan, Maisy, Natalie, Hunter, and Beau. He was a brother to Valerie and Jim. He was a son of Scranton and Wilmington. He was an American icon. May God bless him and his family. And may God bless the United States of America,” Harris said.
The White House announced that Biden’s funeral arrangements will be announced soon. A state funeral is expected to be held at the U.S. Capitol, followed by a burial at Arlington National Cemetery.
Biden is survived by his wife Jill Biden; his children Hunter Biden and Ashley Biden; his grandchildren Naomi Biden, Finnegan Biden, Maisy Biden, Natalie Biden, Hunter Biden Jr., and Beau Biden; his siblings Valerie Biden Owens and James Brian Biden; and his extended family.