The Post-Presidential Lives: A Deep Dive Into The 4 Living Ex-Presidents (Updated December 2025)

Contents
The landscape of former US presidents has shifted significantly in late 2025, marking a new chapter for the exclusive club of post-White House leaders. This updated report, current as of December 2025, confirms that there are now four living former US presidents, each forging a distinct path in their post-presidency, from global philanthropy and public policy to the completion of presidential centers. The passing of the longest-living president, Jimmy Carter, in late 2024, has further highlighted the enduring legacies and current work of those who remain. The four individuals who have held the nation’s highest office and are still actively shaping the world today are: Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Their activities in late 2025 range from launching major global initiatives to focusing on personal passions and building monumental libraries, ensuring their influence continues to be felt across various sectors of American life and international affairs.

The Four Living Former U.S. Presidents: Biography and Current Status (December 2025)

This list, current for late 2025, details the four former presidents, ordered by their term of office, and includes their key biographical data and most recent public status.

1. William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton (42nd President)

  • Born: August 19, 1946 (Age 79)
  • Term of Office: 1993–2001
  • Spouse: Hillary Rodham Clinton
  • Post-Presidency Focus: Global health, climate change, economic development, and humanitarian issues through the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI).

2. George Walker "George W." Bush (43rd President)

  • Born: July 6, 1946 (Age 79)
  • Term of Office: 2001–2009
  • Spouse: Laura Bush
  • Post-Presidency Focus: Veterans' well-being, public service, global health, and human freedom through the George W. Bush Presidential Center. He is also a noted painter.

3. Barack Hussein Obama (44th President)

  • Born: August 4, 1961 (Age 64)
  • Term of Office: 2009–2017
  • Spouse: Michelle Obama
  • Post-Presidency Focus: Youth leadership development, civic engagement, and global democracy through the Obama Foundation and the construction of the Obama Presidential Center.

4. Joseph Robinette "Joe" Biden Jr. (46th President)

  • Born: November 20, 1942 (Age 83)
  • Term of Office: 2021–2025
  • Spouse: Jill Biden
  • Post-Presidency Focus: As the most recent former president, his activities are just beginning, but early indications point toward continued work on democratic institutions, public health, and family-focused initiatives.

The End of an Era: Honoring Jimmy Carter's Unprecedented Post-Presidency

The year 2024 brought a poignant moment for the nation with the passing of President Jimmy Carter. The 39th U.S. President, who had been in home hospice care since early 2023, passed away on December 29, 2024, at the remarkable age of 100. His death marked the end of the longest post-presidency in American history, a period defined by unparalleled humanitarian work and global advocacy. Carter’s work with the Carter Center, focusing on disease eradication, democracy promotion, and conflict resolution, established a gold standard for post-presidential conduct. His longevity and dedication to public service, even while in hospice care, provided a powerful, positive message about end-of-life care and the enduring power of a focused life mission. Flags were ordered to be flown at half-staff until late January 2025 to honor his life and legacy. His passing is a major shift in the 'ex presidents still living' dynamic, reducing the number to four and shifting the title of oldest living former president to Joe Biden.

Current Projects and Defining Legacies: What the Former Presidents Are Doing Now

The post-presidency is often viewed as a second act, a chance to define a legacy beyond political office. In late 2025, the four living former presidents are deeply engaged in high-impact projects that reflect their core values and political priorities.

Barack Obama: The Monumental Center and Cultural Influence

Former President Barack Obama is heavily focused on the construction of the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) in Chicago. As of late 2025, construction crews are making significant progress on the 19.3-acre South Side campus, which is scheduled to open its doors in spring 2026. The OPC is envisioned not just as a traditional library, but as a dynamic cultural and educational hub dedicated to fostering future leaders and civic engagement. This project is the physical landmark of the Obamas' legacy, a cornerstone of the Obama Foundation’s mission. Furthermore, Obama continues to be a cultural influencer, notably releasing his 2025 Summer Reading List, which highlights his ongoing commitment to literacy and intellectual discourse.

Bill Clinton: Reshaping Global Philanthropy

President Bill Clinton, in partnership with Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton, is preparing for a significant evolution of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) in 2025. The CGI Annual Meeting in late 2025 is planned to mark 20 years of the initiative, with a focus on forging new solutions for pressing global issues, including economic instability, climate change, and humanitarian crises. Clinton sees this period of renewal as a critical opportunity to make "commitments to action" that serve as a "counterweight" to rising global isolationism and aid cuts. His work continues to position him as a major figure in international development and global problem-solving.

George W. Bush: Championing Veterans and Public Service

Former President George W. Bush continues his dedicated work through the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas, Texas. The Center remains a nonpartisan organization focused on advancing public policy, human freedom, and education. A significant and highly visible aspect of his post-presidency is his deep commitment to the well-being of wounded veterans. This effort includes hosting the annual Wounded Warrior Mountain Bike Ride, an event that took place again around Veterans Day in 2025, raising funds and awareness for veterans' health and rehabilitation. Bush’s personal passion for painting has also become a defining feature of his later years, often focusing on portraits of veterans and world leaders.

Joe Biden: The Newest Member of the Post-Presidential Fraternity

As the most recent former president, having left office in January 2025, Joe Biden is just beginning to define his post-presidential career. While the immediate focus is often on transition and reflection, initial indications suggest he will continue to advocate for the core themes of his administration: strengthening democratic institutions and addressing global health and equity challenges. His experience as the oldest person ever elected to the presidency provides a unique perspective on the intersection of age, service, and public life. His future foundation or center is expected to consolidate his long career in public service, which spans over five decades as a Senator, Vice President, and President. *** The collective work of these four living former presidents—Biden, Obama, Bush, and Clinton—demonstrates the enduring influence of the American presidency. Their current projects, from global health and veteran support to building monumental centers, ensure that their legacies continue to evolve and impact the world long after they have left the Oval Office.
ex presidents still living
ex presidents still living

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