The Exclusive Club: Exactly How Many Ex-Presidents Are Still Alive Today?
The number of living former U.S. Presidents is a historical statistic that constantly changes, and as of December 2025, that number stands at four. This is a rare and exclusive group of individuals who have held the highest office in the United States, and their post-presidency work continues to shape global policy, philanthropy, and public discourse. The count was recently adjusted due to the passing of the longest-living president, Jimmy Carter, and the transition of Joe Biden into the role of a former president following the January 2025 inauguration.
The transition of power in early 2025 shifted the dynamic of the "Exclusive Club," marking the end of Joe Biden's term and his entry into the ranks of former commanders-in-chief. This article provides the definitive list of the four living former presidents, their key biographical details, and a deep dive into the unique and impactful work they are focusing on now.
The Four Living Former U.S. Presidents: A Complete Biography List
The four individuals currently holding the title of living former U.S. President represent a remarkable span of American history, from the 42nd to the 46th presidency. Here is a detailed look at the members of this exclusive club, listed in chronological order of their time in office, with their age calculated as of December 2025.
- William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton (42nd President)
- Born: August 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas.
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 79 years old.
- Term: 1993–2001.
- Key Post-Presidency Focus: Global health, climate change, and economic opportunity through the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI).
- George Walker Bush (43rd President)
- Born: July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut.
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 79 years old.
- Term: 2001–2009.
- Key Post-Presidency Focus: Veterans' support, global health (PEPFAR), and promoting democracy through the George W. Bush Institute.
- Barack Hussein Obama II (44th President)
- Born: August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 64 years old.
- Term: 2009–2017.
- Key Post-Presidency Focus: Youth leadership development, civic engagement, and the construction of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago.
- Joseph Robinette "Joe" Biden Jr. (46th President)
- Born: November 20, 1942, in Scranton, Pennsylvania.
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 83 years old.
- Term: 2021–2025.
- Key Post-Presidency Focus: Establishing his presidential library, continued policy work through the Biden Institute, and diplomatic engagement.
The Reason for the New Count: A Historical Transition
The current count of four living former presidents is a result of two significant historical events that occurred in late 2024 and early 2025, making this the most up-to-date and accurate number.
The Passing of the Longest-Living President: Jimmy Carter
The most profound change to the list was the passing of the 39th U.S. President, Jimmy Carter. After entering hospice care in February 2023, President Carter passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100, having been the longest-living president in U.S. history. His death was a moment of national mourning, honoring his decades of humanitarian work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center.
The Transition of Joe Biden to "Former President" Status
The second factor was the end of the 46th presidency. Following the 2024 election, Joe Biden's term concluded in January 2025, at which point he officially joined the ranks of former presidents. This transition is a constitutional fixture, but it is always a notable moment when an incumbent moves into their post-presidency life, adding one more name to the exclusive roster of individuals who have held the office.
The Post-Presidential Work: Current Projects and Legacies
A former president's life is far from retirement. The four living former leaders remain highly influential figures, focusing on their respective presidential centers, foundations, and global initiatives. Their current activities provide a clear picture of their enduring commitment to public service and their chosen legacies.
Bill Clinton: The Global Initiative and 20-Year Milestone
President Bill Clinton’s post-presidency has been defined by the ambitious work of the Clinton Foundation. His main focus remains the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), which celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2025. CGI convenes world leaders, philanthropists, and business innovators to develop "Commitments to Action" on pressing global issues like climate change, health equity, and economic resilience. His continued involvement with his wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and daughter, Chelsea Clinton, ensures the foundation's agenda remains a powerful force in international development.
George W. Bush: Global Health and Veterans' Advocacy
George W. Bush has dedicated his post-White House years to the George W. Bush Institute, based at his presidential center in Dallas. His work is heavily focused on two key areas: supporting veterans and advancing global health. The Institute is a strong advocate for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a program he established during his presidency, which continues to save millions of lives globally. Additionally, in late 2025, the Bush Institute convened national leaders to discuss critical issues like democracy and the future of American journalism.
Barack Obama: The Presidential Center and Youth Leadership
Barack Obama's primary post-presidential project is the development of the Obama Presidential Center on the South Side of Chicago. Though facing some delays, the construction has been a major focus throughout 2025, with the aim of creating a hub for civic engagement and a training ground for the next generation of leaders. Beyond the physical center, Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, continue their extensive media production work through their company, Higher Ground, which produces documentaries, films, and podcasts aimed at inspiring and educating.
Joe Biden: Presidential Library and Policy Continuity
For the newest member of the living former presidents club, Joe Biden’s post-presidency is just beginning. A major and immediate priority is the establishment of his Presidential Library in his home state of Delaware. Furthermore, Biden has indicated he will continue his long career of policy work, particularly through the academic institutions he has been associated with. He plans to remain involved with the Biden Institute at the University of Delaware and the Penn Biden Center at the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on both domestic and foreign policy matters. This commitment to policy continuity ensures his voice remains a significant one in national and international debates.
The Historical Significance of Presidential Longevity
The fact that four former presidents are alive simultaneously is a testament to modern medical advancements and the increasing longevity of American leaders. This situation is not unprecedented but remains a historical rarity. The presence of multiple former presidents provides a unique national resource, offering a deep well of institutional knowledge, diplomatic contacts, and non-partisan influence that can be called upon during national crises or for major philanthropic efforts.
The shared experience of holding the highest office often transcends political differences, as evidenced by the former presidents frequently gathering for non-political events, such as the opening of presidential libraries or national memorial services. This collective wisdom is a crucial, though often subtle, element of America's political stability and its role on the world stage.
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