Ashley Biden, daughter of former President Joe Biden and former first lady Jill Biden, has filed for divorce from her husband, Dr. Howard Krein, ending their 13-year marriage. According to court documents filed on August 11, 2025, in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas, Ashley, 44, officially initiated the divorce proceedings. The couple, married since June 2, 2012, had a well-publicized wedding that blended Catholic and Jewish traditions, reflecting their diverse backgrounds. Ashley and Howard's relationship began in 2010 when she was introduced to Krein by her late brother Beau Biden, who was then recovering from a stroke. They subsequently settled into a home in Philadelphia, where Krein works as a plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.

Throughout their marriage, Dr. Howard Krein largely stayed out of the public eye, although he was occasionally seen accompanying Ashley and the Biden family to events and diplomatic trips. Krein, who is 15 years older than Ashley, specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and also serves as a professor. Despite the couple’s relatively private lives, they garnered media attention especially during Joe Biden’s vice presidency and presidency, where Ashley frequently appeared at public events, occasionally with Krein by her side. Their wedding was particularly memorable, with President Biden famously getting emotional during the ceremony, helping with preparations and walking Ashley down the aisle, showing the close family bond.

On the same day as filing the divorce, Ashley Biden posted a series of notable Instagram stories hinting at a new phase in her life. One clip showed her walking through a park giving a thumbs up, set to Beyoncé's song "Freedom," while another featured a quote about "new life, new beginnings" and establishing new boundaries, accompanied by Lauryn Hill's "Freedom Time." These posts suggested an intention to move forward positively from this major life change. Ashley has not publicly commented further on the reasons behind the split, and the court documents did not disclose specific grounds for the divorce, leaving the reasons behind the separation private.

Ashley Biden, known for her activism and work in social justice and philanthropy, has generally maintained a low profile compared to some members of the Biden family. Her marriage to Howard Krein had blended personal and professional worlds, with Krein’s medical career complementing Ashley’s social work. As the couple moves through this separation, the public waits for any further updates. The divorce marks the end of an important chapter for Ashley, who continues to engage in various advocacy and personal projects outside the spotlight while navigating this significant personal transition.