Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy and a fierce civil rights activist, has died of a stroke, a family member confirmed to CBS News. She was 96 years old.
She suffered a stroke in her sleep on Oct. 3, her grandson Joe Kennedy III posted on social media earlier this week. He described his ‘incredible grandmother’ as ‘a strong woman who lived an incredibly fulfilling life’.
He said in a Thursday post: “With hearts full of love, we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother, Ethel Kennedy. She passed away this morning from complications related to a stroke she suffered last week. Along with her life’s work for social justice and human rights, we She leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly.”
Ethel Kennedy, the leading lady of the Kennedy dynasty, gave birth to her eleventh child, Laurie, six months after her husband. was assassinated In 1968, he celebrated his victory in California’s pivotal Democratic presidential primary.
In October 1968, after her husband’s death and a few months before the birth of her youngest child, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Foundation for Human Rights. The foundation celebrates her husband and others’ commitment to human rights and public service by supporting programs for rights defenders. All over the world.
“For over half a century, my mom has been an advocate for justice alongside human rights activists around the world,” daughter Kerry wrote on Facebook on April 11, her mother’s 96th birthday.
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Ethel Skakel Kennedy was born in Chicago in 1928 and raised in Greenwich, Connecticut. Her father ran a successful coal business that made the family wealthy. According to the JFK Library website, she was just 17 years old when she met her future husband, Bobby Kennedy, who was dating her younger sister, Patricia, at the time.
Ethel and Bobby were born on June 17, 1950 at St. Mary’s Church in Greenwich. They were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Passionate about public service, the couple campaigned for Bobby’s younger brother, John F. Kennedy, when he ran for president in 1960. Bobby Kennedy served as Attorney General in his brother’s administration.
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later 1963 JFK assassinationShe continued to support Bobby as he pursued his political career. He was the main contender for the White House at the time. he was shot dead This work was produced by Sirhan Sirhan at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles in June 1968.
After her husband’s death, in addition to her work at the Human Rights Center, Ethel Kennedy co-chaired the Coalition of Gun Control and became involved with many other civil rights organizations.
President Obama In a ceremony at the White House in 2014, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, commended for her perseverance and generosity.
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“She has gone to extraordinary lengths to build support for causes close to her heart,” Obama said at the ceremony.
The family suffered additional tragedies over the years, including the deaths of two children: David, who died of a drug overdose in 1984, and Michael, who died in a skiing accident in 1997. Her daughter Rory’s wedding in 1999 was attended by her nephew John F. Kennedy II and his wife Caroline. died in plane crash On the way to a Cape Cod wedding.
Ethel Kennedy is survived by nine children and an extended family, many of whom are also involved in public life. her son Robert F. Kennedy Jr. He ran for president in 2024, but resigned in August to support former President Donald Trump.
