President Biden honors Kirk Herbstreit’s late, football-loving dog Ben in heartfelt letter
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President Joe Biden expressed his condolences to ESPN football analyst Kirk Herbstreit following the death of his golden retriever, Ben, who passed away last month after battling cancer.
In a personal letter dated November 22, Biden shared his sympathy for the loss, writing, “I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved Ben.” The President acknowledged the special place Ben held in the hearts of many, adding, “Ben brought so much comfort and unconditional love to millions of Americans across our Nation.”
Biden’s message highlighted the deep bond between Herbstreit and his dog, noting, “In your most joyful moments and most grief-stricken days, he was there, sensitive to every unspoken feeling and emotion.” The letter resonated with Herbstreit, who shared it on social media with heartfelt gratitude, expressing how honored he was to receive such a thoughtful message from the President. “Politics aside-REALLY honored to receive this personal note from @POTUS sharing his appreciation and compassion for the loss of our beloved Ben,” Herbstreit wrote. He also reflected on the wide impact Ben had, saying, “I can only hope that Ben knows how many people he touched.”
Ben, a certified emotional service animal, was beloved for his infectious and friendly demeanor. He became a familiar figure on national television, often accompanying Herbstreit during his coverage of football games. Ben’s appearances were especially cherished during “College GameDay,” where his joyful presence regularly elicited “oohs-and-ahs” from fans and viewers alike. The golden retriever’s fame grew as he traveled the country with Herbstreit, appearing not only on “GameDay” but also on live broadcasts for “Thursday Night Football” on Prime Video. Ben’s regular presence with Herbstreit made him a fixture in the football community, and many fans grew attached to the dog, whose warmth and affection radiated through the screen.
Herbstreit’s bond with Ben was even more profound given their ten years together. The dog was not just a companion, but a constant source of support, accompanying Herbstreit through both happy moments and difficult times. Unfortunately, Ben’s health took a downturn this year. He was diagnosed with leukemia in March, and despite undergoing surgery in July, his condition worsened. After a courageous fight, Ben passed away, leaving a void in Herbstreit’s life.
In his letter, Biden shared his own experience with the loss of a pet, offering words of comfort to Herbstreit. “I know what it is like to lose a beloved pet, and I hope you can find some comfort in cherishing the beautiful memories you shared with Ben,” the President wrote. He concluded with a simple but touching sentiment, “He was a good boy.”
The loss of Ben brings back memories of Biden’s own experience with losing a family pet. In June 2021, the Bidens announced the passing of their German Shepherd, Champ, who had been part of their family since 2008. Like Ben, Champ had been a beloved companion, and his death marked an emotional moment for the Biden family. The bond between humans and their pets is something both the Bidens and Herbstreits have experienced, making Biden’s message of empathy all the more poignant.
Herbstreit, who is a longtime ESPN commentator, has consistently shared his love for Ben with the public, often posting about their adventures together and the joy Ben brought to his life. The dog’s passing has left a profound impact on Herbstreit, but the outpouring of support, including President Biden’s heartfelt letter, has helped to console him in his time of grief. The note from Biden, a reflection of both the President’s compassion and the deep connection people have with their pets, serves as a reminder of the healing power of love and memory during difficult times.
As Herbstreit continues his work on ESPN, the memory of Ben will remain with him, and the warmth that the dog brought to countless fans will live on through the moments they shared together on screen. While the pain of loss is never easy, the love that Ben gave to those around him will undoubtedly continue to bring comfort to Herbstreit for years to come.
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