Texas Republican senator and 2016 presidential candidate Ted Cruz apologized on Wednesday for making a joke about Joe Biden less than a week after the death of the vice president’s son.

Cruz was reportedly speaking at a GOP event in Howell, Michigan. Chad Livengood, a reporter for The Detroit News, tweeted that Cruz made the following joke: “Vice President Joe Biden. You know the nice thing? You don’t even need a punch line.”

Cruz acknowledged the barb was ill-advised.

It was a mistake to use an old joke about Joe Biden during his time of grief, and I sincerely apologize. The loss of his… Posted by Ted Cruz on Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Cruz has made the Biden joke numerous times during his stump speeches, according to NBC News’ Alex Moe.

Biden’s son, Beau, died Saturday of brain cancer. Beau Biden was 46.

RELATED: Tributes pour in after death of Beau Biden

“The entire Biden family is saddened beyond words. We know that Beau’s spirit will live on in all of us — especially through his brave wife, Hallie, and two remarkable children, Natalie and Hunter,” Vice President Biden said in a statement Saturday.

“Beau Biden believed the best of us all. For him, and for his family, we swing our lanterns higher. Michelle and I humbly pray for the good Lord to watch over Beau Biden, and to protect and comfort his family here on Earth,” President Obama said in a statement Saturday.

Beau Biden’s funeral is scheduled to be held Saturday in Wilmington, Delaware. Obama will deliver a eulogy at the services.