Ashley Biden, the daughter of former President Joe Biden, filed for divorce from her husband Howard Krein on Monday in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, bringing an end to their 13-year marriage. The 44-year-old former first daughter confirmed the filing through her representative, marking a significant personal development for the Biden family member.
Dr. Howard Krein, a plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist practicing in Philadelphia, married Ashley Biden in June 2012 during a Catholic-Jewish interfaith ceremony in Delaware when Joe Biden served as Vice President. The couple’s relationship began in 2010 after being introduced by Ashley’s late half-brother, Beau Biden.
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Ashley Biden’s Social Media Response
Following the divorce filing, Ashley Biden posted an Instagram story showing herself walking through a park giving a thumbs up, set to Beyoncé’s song “Freedom”. The empowerment anthem, which also served as Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign theme song, appeared to signal her positive outlook on this new chapter.
She also shared a quotation about new beginnings: “New life, new beginnings means new boundaries. New ways of being that won’t look or sound like they did before”, further emphasizing her forward-looking perspective on the divorce proceedings.
Professional Background of Howard Krein
Dr. Howard Krein built his career as a respected medical professional in Philadelphia’s healthcare community. As an otolaryngologist and plastic surgeon, he established himself in the medical field long before his connection to the Biden family. His marriage to Ashley Biden brought him into the political spotlight, particularly during Joe Biden’s presidency from 2021 to early 2025.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Krein gained attention for his dual role as both a medical advisor to then-President Biden and an investor in coronavirus-related startups. This arrangement raised questions about potential conflicts of interest within political circles.
Timeline of Their Relationship
The couple’s relationship timeline reflects their connection to significant political moments:
- 2010: Howard Krein meets Ashley Biden through Beau Biden
- 2012: Wedding ceremony in Delaware during Joe Biden’s vice presidency
- 2021-2025: Krein gains visibility during Joe Biden’s presidency
- August 2025: Ashley Biden files divorce papers in Philadelphia
The Biden Family Dynamic
Ashley Biden has maintained a relatively private profile compared to other political family members. As a social worker, she focused on advocacy and community service rather than political involvement. Her marriage to Dr. Krein represented stability during her father’s various political roles.
The timing of this divorce filing comes months after Joe Biden concluded his presidency in January 2025, potentially allowing Ashley Biden more privacy to address personal matters without intense political scrutiny.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The divorce proceedings will unfold in Philadelphia’s Court of Common Pleas, where both parties will need to address asset division and other marital dissolution matters. Neither Ashley Biden nor Dr. Krein has made detailed public statements about the reasons behind their separation.
Legal experts anticipate the proceedings will remain relatively private, given the family’s preference for handling personal matters away from public attention. The couple has no children together, which may simplify certain aspects of the divorce process.
Media Coverage and Public Interest
News outlets across the political spectrum have covered the Ashley Biden divorce story, reflecting continued public interest in the former first family’s personal developments. The story gained additional attention due to Ashley’s social media posts, which many interpreted as celebratory rather than somber.
Political commentators have noted the timing of the announcement, suggesting that Ashley Biden waited until her father left office to address this personal matter publicly.
Impact on the Biden Family
While the Biden family has faced various challenges over the years, they have consistently emphasized their close-knit relationships and mutual support. Joe and Jill Biden have not issued public statements regarding their daughter’s divorce, maintaining their typical approach of keeping family matters private.
The former first family continues to navigate post-presidency life, with each member pursuing their individual paths while maintaining their strong family bonds.
This development marks another chapter in the Biden family’s ongoing story as they transition from their White House years back to private life. Ashley Biden’s decision to move forward with divorce proceedings suggests her commitment to prioritizing personal happiness and new beginnings.
What are your thoughts on how public figures balance personal privacy with media attention during significant life changes? Share your perspective in the comments below and stay tuned for updates on this developing story.