The wife of the late Robert F. Kennedy and a prominent voice for social justice has died at 96, her family announced in heartfelt messages on social media.
Ethel Kennedy passed away in Boston, surrounded by her loved ones. Her death marks the end of a remarkable life shaped by activism, resilience, and deep devotion to her family.
Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy board a plane for San Juan, Puerto Rico, in March 1966 | Source: Getty Images
Ethel’s son, Joe Kennedy III, shared the news on Twitter, “She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week.” He noted that she leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.
Ethel and Robert Kennedy Jr., Jean Kennedy-Smith, Rory Kennedy, and other family members attended the “Ethel” New York Premiere on October 15, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Joe described his mother as a devout Catholic and daily communicant, finding comfort in the belief that she is now reunited with her late husband, Robert, as well as her sons David and Michael, daughter-in-law Mary, grandchildren Maeve and Saoirse, and great-grandchildren Gideon and Josie.
Joe’s brother, Robert Kennedy Jr. also expressed his loss on the same platform, reflecting on his mother’s vibrant spirit despite her recent health decline, “She never lost her sense of fun, her humor, her spark, her spunk, and her joie de vivre.”
Ethel Kennedy at the 2015 Ripple of Hope Awards, hosted by Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, on December 8, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
He also mentioned that Ethel often spoke about reuniting with her deceased loved ones, “She was never more enthusiastic about the afterlife than when she considered that she would also be reunited with her many dogs, including 16 Irish setters — all conveniently named “Rusty.”
Ethel Kennedy in Washington, DC, on December 11, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
Ethel was a lifelong advocate for social justice and human rights. Her enduring legacy has significantly shaped the Kennedy family’s commitment to humanitarian efforts.
Robert Jr. recalled, “From the day she met my father, her new family observed that she was “more Kennedy than the Kennedys.”
