During a difficult chapter in her life, Jill Biden made a decision that would leave a lasting impact, and she’s now sharing the story behind it. In her new memoir, “View From the East Wing,” the former First Lady revealed why she asked Michelle Obama not to attend her mother’s funeral in 2008.
The story dates back to the final stretch of Barack Obama and Joe Biden’s presidential campaign, when Jill was balancing campaign appearances with a heartbreaking family crisis. According to her memoir, her mother, Bonny Jacobs, died just weeks before Election Day, forcing the Biden family to step away from the political spotlight and focus on their loss.
Jill Biden explains her reasoning for shutting out Barack Obama’s wife from her mother’s funeral
Jill recalled receiving an urgent message from a Secret Service agent while she was out for a run near her Delaware home.
“We got a call. You have to go home,” the agent told her, as per RadarOnline. She rushed to be with her family as her mother’s health declined. In the memoir, Jill writes that her mother held on until all five daughters had gathered at her bedside before passing away.
The timing couldn’t have been more challenging. At the time, Joe Biden was campaigning alongside Barack Obama, while the family’s son, Beau Biden, was preparing for deployment to Iraq.
After spending several days with her family, Jill returned to campaign duties. That’s when Michelle Obama reached out.
According to Jill, Michelle called to offer condolences and support following the public announcement of her mother’s death. During the conversation, Michelle reportedly told her, “I’ll see you at the funeral.”
While touched by the gesture, Jill admitted she immediately worried about what Michelle’s presence might mean for the service.
At the time, the two women were not yet close friends. More importantly, Jill feared that having the future First Lady attend would draw reporters, cameras, and national attention to an event that she wanted to remain focused on her family.
“I have four sisters,” Jill recalled telling Michelle. “This funeral is going to be so hard on them.”
Jill explained that she didn’t want the service to become a political spectacle. According to the memoir, Michelle immediately understood and responded with empathy. “I totally get it,” Michelle reportedly said.
Looking back, Jill described herself as grateful for Michelle’s understanding, writing that no further explanation was needed during an already emotional chapter of her life.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK JILL BIDEN MADE THE RIGHT DECISION BY ASKING MICHELLE OBAMA TO STAY AWAY FROM THE FUNERAL?
