Ethel Kennedy, the beloved matriarch of the Kennedy family and widow of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, has passed away at the remarkable age of 96.
Known for her strength and resilience, she was a vital link to the iconic ‘Camelot’ era of her brother-in-law, President John F. Kennedy.
Just last week, Ethel suffered a stroke in her sleep, prompting a hospital visit.
Her passing marks the end of an era filled with both triumph and tragedy.
Family and Political Struggles
Ethel was the proud mother of 11 children, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently made headlines with his independent presidential campaign for 2024.
His controversial views on vaccines and endorsement of Donald Trump in August sparked division within the Kennedy family.
While some family members publicly criticized his actions and rallied behind the Democratic nominee, Ethel remained silent on the matter.
She faced unimaginable heartache when her husband was assassinated in 1968, just after he had won the Democratic primary in California.
At the time, Ethel was pregnant with their youngest child.
This tragedy was compounded by the earlier assassination of her brother-in-law, President John F. Kennedy, and the losses of other family members in tragic accidents over the years.
Despite these hardships, Ethel never remarried, dedicating her life to philanthropy, gun control advocacy, and the pursuit of peace.
A Life of Service and Love
Ethel founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights and worked tirelessly to promote social justice throughout her life.
Although she often preferred to stay out of the public eye, she enjoyed summers at the family compound in Hyannis Port, Cape Cod.
News of her passing was shared by her grandson, former Rep. Joe Kennedy III, who now serves as the U.S. Special Envoy for Northern Ireland under President Joe Biden.
In a heartfelt message on X, Joe expressed, “With our hearts full of love, we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother, Ethel Kennedy.
She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week.”
He went on to highlight her commitment to social justice and the loving family she leaves behind, including nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.
Fond Memories and Milestones
Ethel’s story began in 1945 when a 17-year-old Ethel became friends with Jean Kennedy at Manhattanville College.
It was during a skiing trip in Quebec that she met Robert F. Kennedy, Jean’s brother.
Their relationship blossomed after Robert’s previous romance ended.
In 2012, Ethel’s youngest child, Rory, directed a documentary showcasing her remarkable life.
Her contributions were recognized when she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from then-President Barack Obama in 2014, honoring her lifelong commitment to social justice.
Ethel made headlines again in 2021 with a public statement opposing the release of her husband’s assassin, Sirhan Sirhan, after a parole board recommended his freedom—an effort ultimately blocked by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Celebrating a Remarkable Life
Ethel celebrated her 96th birthday surrounded by family in April, a testament to the love that defined her life.
Yet, as the presidential election drew near, tensions simmered within her family.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s endorsement of Donald Trump in August led five of his siblings to release a statement expressing their disappointment, calling it a “betrayal” of the values they hold dear.
Ethel Kennedy’s legacy will endure, not only through her family but also through her unwavering commitment to social justice and the compassion she showed to all those around her.
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