Ethel Kennedy, Widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, Passes Away at 96
Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, passed away on October 10, 2024, at the age of 96. Born into the wealthy Skakel family in 1928, Ethel married Robert F. Kennedy in 1950, becoming part of one of America’s most prominent political dynasties. Together, they were a political and social power couple, with Ethel standing by her husband throughout his political career, including his role as Attorney General under his brother, President John F. Kennedy, and his campaign for the 1968 Democratic presidential nomination. Tragically, Robert was assassinated in June 1968, just five years after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. At the time, Ethel was pregnant with their eleventh child, Rory.
Despite these profound personal losses, Ethel remained a steadfast advocate for social justice and human rights. In the wake of her husband’s death, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights (now known as RFK Human Rights), an organization dedicated to continuing Robert’s legacy by promoting human rights, supporting journalists, and honoring individuals making significant contributions to social justice. Throughout her life, Ethel was also deeply involved in causes such as gun control, environmental advocacy, and special education.
Ethel’s life was a mix of both joy and sorrow. Alongside her husband’s assassination, her family faced multiple tragedies. Her parents died in a plane crash in 1955, and her brother in another crash in 1966. Two of her sons, David and Michael, also passed away under tragic circumstances—David from a drug overdose in 1984, and Michael in a skiing accident in 1997. In 2019, Ethel’s granddaughter, Saoirse Kennedy Hill, died of an overdose, adding to the Kennedy family’s heartache. Despite enduring so much grief, Ethel remained the unshakable matriarch of the Kennedy family, guiding them through these tragedies.
Ethel was not only dedicated to advocacy but was also known for her vibrant personality and social activities. She often hosted gatherings at the family estate, Hickory Hill, where political figures, intellectuals, and celebrities mingled. Her enthusiasm for her husband’s political career was palpable, as she encouraged him to enter the 1968 presidential race and remained one of his staunchest supporters.
Ethel’s influence extended beyond her own family. In 2008, she endorsed Senator Barack Obama for president, comparing him to her late husband. Throughout her later years, she remained a public figure, making appearances at political events and continuing her support for various causes. In 2014, Ethel was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, for her decades of service and unwavering commitment to advancing human rights.
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Ethel Kennedy’s life is a testament to resilience, public service, and an enduring belief in the power of justice and social change. As the matriarch of the Kennedy family, she not only raised her children in the face of unimaginable tragedy but also built a legacy that honored her late husband’s memory. Her strength, faith, and dedication to service have left an indelible mark on American history.
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