Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, passed away at the age of 96 on October 10, 2024. As one of the most influential figures in the Kennedy family, Ethel’s life was marked by both immense personal loss and a steadfast commitment to
social causes. Her death was announced by her grandson, Joseph P. Kennedy III, who cited complications from a stroke as the cause. Ethel’s life story is a testament to resilience, loyalty, and a passionate dedication to her family and the causes her late husband championed.
The Tragic Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy
Ethel Kennedy was only 40 when her husband, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1968 while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination. This tragic event occurred just five years after the assassination of her brother-in-law, President
John F. Kennedy. Despite the tremendous personal loss, Ethel displayed immense grace and resilience, drawing comparisons to her sister-in-law Jacqueline Kennedy. While Jackie remained regal and reserved, Ethel dived headfirst into the political world, becoming an active force in continuing her husband’s legacy.
Robert and Ethel had 11 children, and their youngest child, Rory Kennedy, was born after Robert’s assassination. Ethel never remarried, instead devoting her life to raising her children and working tirelessly on behalf of social causes. Her family faced immense hardships, but Ethel remained the glue that held them together, often leaning on her Roman Catholic faith to guide her through tough times.
Ethel Kennedy’s Political Passion and Activism
Known for her energy, humor, and competitiveness, Ethel was often described as “more Kennedy than the Kennedys.” Her passion for politics was all-consuming. She campaigned tirelessly not only for her husband but also for her brother-in-law and other members of the Kennedy family. Unlike Jacqueline, who embraced a life of glamour and cultural refinement, Ethel was athletic and engaged, throwing herself into the often chaotic, vibrant life at Hickory Hill, the family’s estate in McLean, Virginia.
Hickory Hill, with its apple-red front door, became a symbol of the Kennedy family’s political vigor. It was a place where Washington elites, Hollywood stars, and Nobel laureates mingled, yet it maintained an air of lively domesticity with Ethel at the helm, juggling her role as mother and political force. She organized events, including the infamous touch football games, often participating herself with a competitive spirit that characterized the Kennedy clan.
A Life of Personal Loss and Public Tragedy
Ethel’s life was punctuated by multiple personal tragedies. In addition to the assassination of her husband, she endured the deaths of her parents in a plane crash when she was in her late twenties, the loss of her brother in another plane crash, and the death of that
brother’s wife soon after. The assassinations of both her husband and brother-in-law were the most public and painful tragedies, but Ethel faced more sorrow with the untimely deaths of two of her sons. David Kennedy died from a drug overdose in 1984, and Michael Kennedy was killed in a skiing accident in 1997.
Despite these tragedies, Ethel remained a resilient figure. Her motto, “Kennedys don’t cry,” guided her through these heartbreaking moments, and she remained a rock for her surviving children and grandchildren. Ethel was a devoted mother and grandmother, constantly involved in the lives of her family members and supporting them through their own challenges.
Devotion to Social Justice and Human Rights
Ethel Kennedy’s life was dedicated to carrying on her husband’s legacy of social justice. In 1968, just two weeks after Robert’s death, Ethel sent a telegram to Coretta Scott King in support of the Poor People’s March on Washington. This act of solidarity with another widow of a great civil rights leader showcased her deep commitment to the causes of equality and justice.
Ethel also founded the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center, now known as Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, a nonprofit organization that promotes human rights globally and gives awards for exceptional work in the fields of human rights, literature, and journalism. Her humanitarian efforts extended to promoting democracy in Kenya, conservation efforts, gun control advocacy, and aiding the mentally disabled.
She continued to lend her name and support to other causes throughout her life, including the United Farm Workers union and initiatives supporting the mentally ill and underprivileged. Her dedication to these causes earned her widespread recognition, including being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2014.
Ethel Kennedy’s Later Years and Legacy
Despite the Kennedy family’s numerous tragedies, Ethel Kennedy remained a public figure well into her later years. In 2012, she was the subject of a documentary, Ethel, created by her youngest daughter Rory Kennedy. In the film, Ethel gave her first interview in over 20 years, offering insights into her life and legacy. Known for her dislike of introspection, she famously remarked in the documentary, “Introspection, I hate it!”
In her final years, Ethel became an advocate for her son Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial presidential bid, though his decision to run as an independent caused significant tension within the Kennedy family, which had long been staunchly Democratic. Still, Ethel remained a figure of unity and strength, always maintaining her focus on the values of love, family, and justice.
Conclusion
Ethel Kennedy’s life was one of both great triumphs and tremendous sorrow. She was a tireless advocate for social justice, a devoted mother, and the heart of one of America’s most prominent political families. Despite her personal tragedies, she lived a life defined by resilience, grace, and an unshakable commitment to her family’s legacy. Her death at 96 marks the end of an era, but her influence and the causes she championed will continue to shape the world for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ethel Kennedy
1. Did Ethel Kennedy ever remarry after Robert F. Kennedy’s death?
No, Ethel Kennedy never remarried after her husband’s assassination in 1968. She remained devoted to Robert’s memory and to raising their children.
2. How many children did Ethel Kennedy have?
Ethel Kennedy had 11 children with Robert F. Kennedy. Her youngest child, Rory Kennedy, was born after Robert’s assassination.
3. What causes was Ethel Kennedy passionate about?
Ethel Kennedy was deeply involved in promoting social justice, human rights, and environmental causes. She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization and supported numerous other causes throughout her life.
4. What role did Ethel Kennedy play in the Kennedy family’s political campaigns?
Ethel was a key figure in the Kennedy family’s political campaigns, known for her energy and commitment. She campaigned tirelessly for her husband, her brother-in-law President John F. Kennedy, and other family members.
5. How did Ethel Kennedy handle personal tragedy?
Ethel Kennedy faced numerous personal tragedies, including the assassinations of her husband and brother-in-law, and the deaths of two of her sons. Despite these losses, she remained resilient, often leaning on her Catholic faith for strength.