Being in the political spotlight for decades comes with a price—endless speculation, conspiracy theories, and juicy gossip. Joe and Jill Biden have been no exception. Despite their frequent displays of affection and decades of partnership, rumors about their marriage have circulated for years. Some are bizarre, some are controversial, and others are just plain entertaining. But how much of it is true, and how much is just wishful thinking from rumor mills?
Let’s dive into the most talked-about stories surrounding the Bidens’ marriage and separate fact from fiction.
1. The Babysitter Theory—Fact or Fiction?
One of the more outlandish rumors suggests that Jill Biden was once a teenage babysitter for Joe’s children before they started dating. Sounds scandalous, right? Social media posts have fueled this tale, alleging that Jill was only 15 when Joe, already in his 30s, took an interest in her.
Reality check: Jill was 24 years old when she met Joe, and she had already been married before. At the time, Joe was a widowed senator raising his two sons. While Jill initially thought their nine-year age gap was a dealbreaker, their first date changed everything. In her own words, she called her mother that night and said, “Mom, I finally met a gentleman.” The couple married in 1977, and Jill stepped into the role of stepmother to Joe’s boys. Babysitting scandal? Not quite.
2. A Love Triangle? The Story of Jill’s First Husband
Ah, the classic love-triangle narrative—messy, dramatic, and great tabloid fodder. Some claim Jill was still married to her first husband, Bill Stevenson, when she began dating Joe. Interestingly, this claim doesn’t come from internet conspiracy theorists but from Stevenson himself. He insists that the Bidens’ love story isn’t as innocent as they make it seem, hinting that the official timeline doesn’t quite match up.
His most controversial claim? He asserts that in 1974, Jill missed a Bruce Springsteen concert with him in order to spend time with Joe’s children. According to Jill’s representatives, however, she and Stevenson had already separated by late 1974, she had moved out, and her relationship with Joe didn’t begin until early 1975. The couple tied the knot in 1977. Who’s telling the truth? That depends on which version you prefer.
3. The White House Marriage Strain
Being the President of the United States isn’t exactly a 9-to-5 job, and maintaining a healthy marriage in the White House comes with unique challenges. Over the years, eagle-eyed observers have pointed to Jill’s occasional distant expressionsat events or Joe’s missing wedding ring as signs of trouble in paradise.
Joe himself admitted that their time together became more limited due to the demands of the presidency. However, the couple has spoken about making the most of smaller, intimate moments—whether through quiet dinners or simple gestures—to keep their connection strong. Now that Joe has stepped away from the office, they’re reportedly enjoying more quality time together.
4. Who’s Really in Charge? The Jill Biden Conspiracy
Some critics believe Jill Biden isn’t just the First Lady—she was the real power behind the presidency. Given Joe’s well-documented verbal slip-ups, speculation has persisted that Jill was making major decisions behind the scenes.
In 2022, Radar Online even claimed she was stepping in when Joe struggled with his duties. Although Jill was a highly involved First Lady, there is no substantial evidence suggesting she was the one controlling the administration. Jill herself has spoken candidly about how demanding the role of First Lady is, describing it as a 24/7 responsibility. But running the country? That’s still Joe’s department.
5. Did Jill Push Joe to Run Again?
Joe’s decision to run for re-election sparked plenty of debate, but some insist it wasn’t entirely his choice. Historian Douglas Brinkley speculated that, unlike past First Ladies who encouraged their husbands to retire, Jill was determined to hold onto power.
Even her ex-husband, Bill Stevenson, jumped into the conversation, claiming that Jill had changed into someone he no longer recognized. Jill, however, has remained one of Joe’s strongest supporters throughout his political career. When he ultimately stepped aside for Kamala Harris, she fully backed his decision and later told Good Morning America that leaving the White House was “the right call” and that she was looking forward to their next chapter together.
Final Thoughts: What’s True and What’s Just Gossip?
After decades in the public eye, the Bidens have developed thick skin when it comes to rumors. Like all high-profile couples, their relationship has been dissected, analyzed, and sometimes exaggerated for dramatic effect. While some stories contain elements of truth, others are purely fictional.
Despite the rumors, the Bidens have remained united, navigating both personal and political challenges together. Love them or criticize them, one thing is certain: their marriage is one of the most talked-about in modern political history.