Ashley Biden filed for divorce from her husband of 13 years, Howard Krein, on Monday, Aug. 11, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
The 44-year-old daughter of former President Joe Biden submitted papers to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. Her representative confirmed the filing to the publication.
On the same day, Ashley shared several Instagram Stories that offered insight into her state of mind.
Social Media Posts Signal New Chapter
One Story showed Ashley walking through a park while giving a thumbs-up. The video played Beyoncé’s “Freedom” in the background – an empowerment anthem from the 2016 album Lemonade. The song was also the theme for Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign.
Ashley later deleted the post from her profile.
Another deleted Story featured Ms. Lauryn Hill’s 2002 song “Freedom Time” with a quote about new beginnings. “New life, new beginnings means new boundaries,” the post read. “New ways of being that won’t look or sound like they did before.”
Ashley also shared a Bob Marley quote: “Let your smile change the world but don’t let the world change your smile.”
An astrology post about the full moon portal included her own addition: “The universe has my back.”
Family Event Honors Late Brother
Later Stories showed Ashley at an event honoring her late half-brother, Beau Biden, and his foundation. The former president attended the gathering.
“Thank you for the support for my brother/his foundation + the sweet/touching moments of appreciation for Dads service. Still doing what he does best…and no one does it better. Grateful.”
Ashley ended her Stories with photos of her dog, the full moon, and her phone showing 11:11 – a time many people associate with making wishes.
Relationship Background
Beau Biden introduced Ashley and Krein five years before his death from brain cancer in 2015. The couple began dating in 2010 and got engaged the following year after Krein received Joe Biden’s blessing.
Ashley married the otolaryngologist and plastic surgeon on June 2, 2012, in Greenville, Delaware. The ceremony combined Catholic and Jewish traditions to honor both families.
Then-Vice President Biden told PEOPLE that Krein was “the right guy” for his youngest child.
Life Away from Spotlight
Ashley has mostly stayed out of public view throughout her father’s political career. She works as a social worker and keeps a relatively low profile.
Her most prominent recent appearance came at the Democratic National Convention in August 2024. She introduced her father and brought him to tears with her speech.
“Before he walked me down the aisle, he turned to me and said he would always be my best friend,” Ashley told the audience. “All these years later, Dad, you are still my best friend.”
Krein was present in the Oval Office when Joe Biden delivered his address about abandoning his 2024 reelection bid. The family gathered around the Resolute Desk for the historic moment.
PEOPLE has reached out to both Ashley and Krein for comment about the divorce filing.
