As Biden closes out more than 50 years of public service, including 36 years as a senator, eight as vice president, and four as president, the last year in office proved fateful in some of his longest-held friendships. Here are four friends Biden reportedly lost last year:

Official White House photographers share exclusive images with PEOPLE, capturing memories from Joe Biden's time as president of the United States

We asked those who know and work with Joe Biden to share memories and send-off messages as the president leaves office. This is what they said.