Ethel Kennedy, an ardent human rights advocate and widow of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, has passed away at the age of 96 following a stroke last week. Joe Kennedy III, her grandson, announced her death in a heartfelt post on X. Described as an “amazing grandmother,” Ethel leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. Besides her family members, she is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who loved her deeply.
Ethel Kennedy was born on April 11, 1928 in Chicago as Ethel Skakel. Her life has been marked with personal tragedies, such as the loss of both her parents in a 1955 plane crash and the assassination of her husband by Sirhan Sirhan in 1968 while he was running for president.
The widow of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy was a devout Catholic and a daily communicant. Joe Kennedy III stated that his family takes solace in knowing she is now reunited with the love of her life, as well as their children David and Michael, daughter-in-law Mary, grandchildren Maeve and Saoirse, and great-grandchildren Gideon and Josie. They request people to keep Ethel Kennedy in their thoughts and prayers.
Ethel’s family has suffered numerous setbacks over the years, including the tragic death of her granddaughter Saoirse Kennedy Hill due to an apparent drug overdose in 2019. Philip Johnson, a friend of the family and founder of the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation, told the Boston Herald: “One wonders how much this family must be expected to absorb.
Ethel Kennedy was one of the last living members of her generation that included President John F. Kennedy. Prior to her passing, she had recently enjoyed spending time with many of her relatives before falling ill. The Associated Press contributed to this story.