Ethel Kennedy Has Passed Away

Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy and matriarch of the Kennedy family, has passed away at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and public service.

At a Glance

Ethel Kennedy died at 96 from complications of a stroke.
She was the mother of 11 children, grandmother to 34, and great-grandmother to 24.
Ethel founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights after her husband’s assassination.
She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014 by President Barack Obama.
Ethel was known for her devout Catholic faith and dedication to social justice causes.

Ethel Kennedy’s Life

Ethel Kennedy, the matriarch of the Kennedy family, has died at 96 years old following a stroke. Born in 1928 in Chicago to a wealthy family, Ethel Kennedy grew up in Connecticut before marrying Robert F. Kennedy in 1950. Her life was shaped by a series of tragic events, including the deaths of her parents in a plane crash in 1955 and the assassinations of both her brother-in-law, President John F. Kennedy, and her husband, Robert F. Kennedy.

Despite these losses, Ethel Kennedy remained a pillar of strength for her family and continued to champion the causes she and her husband had fought for throughout their lives. Her unwavering faith and commitment to social justice became defining characteristics of her public persona.

My mom, Ethel Skakel Kennedy, passed peacefully into Heaven this morning. She was 96. She died in Boston surrounded by many of her nine surviving children and her friends. God gave her 34 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and the energy to give them all the attention they… pic.twitter.com/X6yr1yZ5DK

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) October 10, 2024

A Legacy of Public Service

Following her husband’s assassination in 1968, Ethel Kennedy founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, which continues to advance human rights causes globally. Her dedication to public service and social justice earned her widespread respect and admiration.

“After founding Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights months after her husband’s death in 1968, Ethel Kennedy became a political force in her own right, personally tackling human rights issues both at home and abroad,” the foundation wrote of her.

Ethel was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014 by President Barack Obama, recognizing her lifetime of public service.

Remembering a Matriarch

The announcement of Ethel Kennedy’s passing was met with an outpouring of condolences and tributes from family members, political figures, and the public. Her grandson, former Rep. Joe Kennedy III, shared a heartfelt statement on social media, highlighting the family’s deep love and respect for their matriarch.

“It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother, Ethel Kennedy,” Joe Kennedy III said.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also posted tribute to his mother on X, signing off with, “I credit her for all my virtues. I’m grateful for her generosity in overlooking my faults.”

President Joe Biden praised Ethel Kennedy as a “matriarch of optimism and moral courage,” emphasizing her role not just within the Kennedy family but in the broader context of American public life.

Ethel Kennedy’s 96 years were marked by both tremendous tragedy and remarkable resilience. As the matriarch of one of America’s most prominent political families, she navigated the public eye with grace and determination. Her unwavering commitment to her family, her faith, and her causes serves as a powerful example of a life dedicated to the service of others.