Ethel Kennedy, the widow of the assassinated U.S. politician Robert F. Kennedy, passed away on Thursday at the age of 96, as confirmed by her family. Former congressman Joe Kennedy III shared the news on social media, stating, “It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother.”
Ethel Kennedy succumbed to complications following a stroke, leaving behind a profound legacy intertwined with a family that includes the assassinated former president John F. Kennedy and senator Ted Kennedy. She was also the mother of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a controversial figure known for promoting vaccine conspiracy theories, whose unsuccessful third-party presidential campaign and endorsement of Donald Trump have somewhat overshadowed the family’s prominent position in American politics and the Democratic Party.
Born Ethel Skakel in Chicago in 1928, she grew up in a socially engaged family, with her father being a successful businessman and her mother active in community service. At just 17 years old, she met Robert Kennedy at a summer party on Cape Cod. Their courtship blossomed into a wedding in 1950, marking the beginning of a partnership that would navigate the tumultuous waters of American politics.
Robert Kennedy, affectionately known as Bobby or RFK, served as U.S. attorney general during his brother John’s administration from 1961 to 1964 before becoming a senator representing New York. A passionate advocate for civil rights and social justice, he championed causes like the fight against poverty and discrimination. Tragically, five years after JFK’s assassination, Robert was fatally shot while campaigning for the presidency in 1968. Ethel gave birth to the couple’s 11th child just six months after his death, highlighting her resilience during a profoundly challenging period.
In the years following her husband’s assassination, Ethel emerged as a dedicated advocate for social causes. She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization, which is recognized for its commitment to global freedom of expression and human rights advocacy. Through this organization, Ethel championed the causes of justice and equality, echoing the ideals that her husband espoused.
Ethel’s contributions did not go unnoticed. In 2014, former President Barack Obama honored her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, in recognition of her tireless efforts in social justice and human rights advocacy. Reflecting on her work, Joe Kennedy III remarked, “We are comforted in knowing she is reunited with the love of her life, our father, Robert F. Kennedy,” as he celebrated her enduring legacy.