The question of "how many former U.S. Presidents are still alive" has a new and definitive answer as of December 2025, settling at four. This number represents a significant shift in the historical count, primarily due to the passing of the longest-living president in history, Jimmy Carter, in late 2024, and the recent transition of Joe Biden into the post-presidency phase following the 2024 election. The current list of living individuals who have held the highest office is now composed of the incumbent, Donald J. Trump, and the four former presidents: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden.
This article provides an in-depth, up-to-date look at the four individuals who have served as Commander-in-Chief and are currently enjoying their post-White House lives. We detail their full biographies and explore their latest activities, foundations, and public engagements, offering a fresh perspective on the elite club of former American leaders who continue to shape public discourse and global initiatives in the year 2025.
The Four Living Former U.S. Presidents: A Complete Biography List
As of December 2025, the four living former U.S. Presidents, listed by the order of their time in office, are:
1. Bill Clinton (42nd President)
- Full Name: William Jefferson Clinton
- Born: August 19, 1946 (Age 79 in 2025)
- Wife: Hillary Rodham Clinton
- Term of Office: 1993–2001
- Political Party: Democratic
- Post-Presidency Focus: Global philanthropy, economic development, and public health through the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI).
2. George W. Bush (43rd President)
- Full Name: George Walker Bush
- Born: July 6, 1946 (Age 79 in 2025)
- Wife: Laura Welch Bush
- Term of Office: 2001–2009
- Political Party: Republican
- Post-Presidency Focus: Veterans' support, global health, education reform, and painting, administered through the George W. Bush Presidential Center and Institute.
3. Barack Obama (44th President)
- Full Name: Barack Hussein Obama II
- Born: August 4, 1961 (Age 64 in 2025)
- Wife: Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama
- Term of Office: 2009–2017
- Political Party: Democratic
- Post-Presidency Focus: Youth leadership development, civic engagement, and media production through the Obama Foundation and his production company, Higher Ground.
4. Joe Biden (46th President)
- Full Name: Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
- Born: November 20, 1942 (Age 83 in 2025)
- Wife: Jill Tracy Jacobs Biden
- Term of Office: 2021–2025
- Political Party: Democratic
- Post-Presidency Focus: Legacy-building, writing memoirs, continued policy work, and engagement with international leaders through the University of Delaware’s Biden Institute and the Penn Biden Center.
The Post-2024 Shift: Why the Number Changed
The current count of four living former presidents is a direct result of two major events that occurred between late 2024 and early 2025, creating a new historical benchmark. This shift provides the most accurate answer to the question today, differentiating it from previous years where the number was five or six. The two key factors are the passing of Jimmy Carter and the transition of Joe Biden to a former president.
The End of the Longest-Living Presidency
The most significant change to the list was the death of 39th President Jimmy Carter. He passed away peacefully at his home on December 29, 2024, at the remarkable age of 100, after entering home hospice care in early 2023. Carter’s death ended his tenure as both the longest-living U.S. President and the longest-lived first lady’s spouse (after his wife Rosalynn’s passing). His passing means that Bill Clinton is now the earliest-serving living former U.S. President. Carter’s legacy, particularly his humanitarian work with The Carter Center, remains a powerful example of a meaningful post-presidency life.
The Transition of Joe Biden
The second factor is the transition of Joe Biden from the 46th President to a former president in January 2025. Following the 2024 election, Donald Trump was inaugurated as the 47th President, making him the incumbent. Consequently, Joe Biden joined the ranks of living former presidents, adding one name to the "former" list while the total number of living people who have held the office remains five (Trump + the four former presidents). Biden’s swift move into post-presidential activities is a major news item in 2025, as he focuses on his extensive political career and legacy.
What They're Doing Now: Post-Presidency Activities in 2025
The post-presidency period is often characterized by a focus on humanitarian work, public speaking, and establishing a legacy. In 2025, the four former presidents are actively engaged in various high-profile endeavors, demonstrating their continued influence on domestic and global affairs. This continued engagement is a hallmark of the modern presidency.
Bill Clinton: The Global Initiative at 20 Years
Bill Clinton remains highly active through the Clinton Foundation. A major focus in 2025 is the 20th anniversary of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI). CGI continues to convene global leaders to develop and implement solutions to the world's most pressing challenges, from climate change to public health. Having served as the 42nd President, Clinton now holds the distinction of being the longest-serving living former president, a title he inherited following the death of Jimmy Carter. His public appearances often focus on economic opportunity and democratic resilience.
George W. Bush: Veterans and Global Health
George W. Bush's post-presidency is centered around the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. In 2025, the Center is heavily involved in initiatives supporting veterans and military families, as well as promoting global health and economic growth. Bush continues to be a prominent figure in the Republican Party's moderate wing and is known for his unique hobby of painting, often focusing on portraits of veterans and world leaders. He has also been a featured speaker at various high-profile business and policy forums throughout the year.
Barack Obama: Building the Presidential Center and Global Leaders
Barack Obama’s 2025 activities are dominated by the ongoing construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, with construction updates being released as late as October 2025. The center is envisioned as a major community hub, museum, and athletic facility. Furthermore, the Obama Foundation introduced its 2025-2026 class of "Obama Leaders," a key program aimed at empowering the next generation of civic innovators from around the world. Obama also maintains a strong public speaking schedule, focusing on democracy, climate crisis, and education.
Joe Biden: Legacy and Policy Work
Having just completed his term as the 46th President, Joe Biden’s post-presidency is in its nascent stage in December 2025. His initial focus is on cementing his legacy and transitioning back to policy work outside of the White House. Reports indicate he is writing his memoirs and maintaining advisory roles, with a strong commitment to continue working on domestic policy matters through the University of Delaware’s Biden Institute and foreign policy matters with the Penn Biden Center. Biden has also been engaging with world leaders behind the scenes, leveraging his decades of foreign policy experience to continue to influence global affairs.
The Future of the Former Presidents Club
The lives of former presidents are a source of constant curiosity, as they transition from the intense scrutiny of the Oval Office to a more personal, yet still highly influential, public life. The current group of four—Clinton, Bush, Obama, and Biden—represent a diverse cross-section of American political history, all of whom are actively involved in shaping policy, philanthropy, and public thought. Their collective efforts through their presidential libraries and foundations ensure that their legacies and policy goals continue to resonate long after their terms have ended. This small, exclusive club of former leaders carries immense topical authority and continues to be a powerful force on the world stage.
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