Joe Biden Scales Back Memoir Promotion as Cancer Slows Him Down
The former president says prostate cancer will limit appearances for his forthcoming memoir, though he continues working ahead of the book's scheduled November 17 release.
By Hushread Stories, from 15 outlets · First published 9 Nov 2026 · Chapter 1 of 2
In brief
- Former President Joe Biden says prostate cancer will limit promotional appearances for his forthcoming presidential memoir.
- Biden announced the reduced promotion on Sunday, November 8, in a statement posted on X.
- He said he was diagnosed with cancer while writing the book about his time in office.
- Biden says his illness has slowed his activities but has not stopped him from continuing to work.
- The memoir is scheduled for release on November 17, with fewer promotional conversations than Biden had hoped.
Timeline · 5 moments
Presidential memoir scheduled for release with reduced promotion
KYTV | KY3 | The Place to Be | First Alert Weather | Springfield, Mo | Arkansas | Missouri ↗Report says Biden continues working despite treatment effects
Mint ↗Biden announces limits on upcoming memoir promotion
New York Post ↗Biden describes better and worse days with cancer
Deadline Hollywood ↗Biden says cancer diagnosis came while writing memoir
The Hill ↗How it started
Former President Joe Biden was writing his presidential memoir when he was diagnosed with cancer, according to the statement reported by The Hill. The illness is now affecting how much he can do to promote it.
The forthcoming book, titled "Promise Me, America," covers his time in office, Deadline Hollywood reported. Its release is approaching while Biden continues treatment for prostate cancer.
How it unfolded
On Sunday, November 8, Biden announced that his cancer diagnosis would limit his promotional appearances, the New York Post reported. He shared the update on X, according to The Daily Beast.
"Some days are better than others," Biden wrote, according to Deadline Hollywood. His statement described the practical effect of his illness on plans for the book, rather than a complete withdrawal from public activity.
By November 9, The New York Times reported that Biden's aggressive prostate cancer meant he "won't be able to do as many conversations" about the memoir as he had hoped.
Treatment and recovery have affected his daily activities, but have not stopped him from working, Mint reported on November 9.
Where it stands
Biden is scaling back the book tour, not announcing its cancellation. NBC News reported that promotional plans would be reduced as he continues to battle cancer.
The memoir is due out November 17, according to KY3. The coverage provided does not specify how many appearances Biden will make or which events will go ahead.
What to watch
The next scheduled milestone is the November 17 publication. Ahead of that release, the outstanding question is which interviews or public conversations Biden will be able to undertake, given the limits he has described.
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