Ethel Kennedy, a woman who played an instrumental role in American history through her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy (RFK), spent her life championing human rights and raising a large family. Her love story with RFK is one of passion, tragedy, and unwavering commitment. Despite the tragedies she endured, including the assassination of her husband, Ethel remained devoted to Robert’s memory, dedicating her life to their 11 children and upholding his legacy.
How Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy Met
Ethel Kennedy, born Ethel Skakel, met Robert F. Kennedy in 1945 while she was attending Manhattanville College. At the time, Robert was dating her sister, Patricia Skakel, and the couple was together for two years before they parted ways. Despite this, Ethel had already felt a connection with Robert, revealing in a 2012 interview that she knew from the start that she would marry him. The two grew closer after Robert’s breakup with Patricia, and soon enough, they were dating.
Ethel Kennedy and Robert’s Marriage
In 1950, the couple tied the knot in a grand ceremony at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Greenwich, Connecticut. It was a beautiful day filled with laughter and joy, as Ethel’s bridesmaids were humorously thrown into a pool at the reception, a lighthearted moment captured by the press. After their honeymoon in Hawaii, the young couple settled in Virginia, where Robert attended the University of Virginia School of Law.
As their marriage blossomed, Ethel and Robert moved to Hickory Hill, their 13-bedroom home in McLean, Virginia, which would become iconic as the place where the Kennedys raised their large family. By 1956, they had started to build their household, with children soon becoming the heartbeat of their marriage.
Their Family of 11 Children
Ethel and Robert Kennedy’s marriage resulted in a large family, with the couple welcoming 11 children over the span of their 18-year marriage. Their first daughter, Kathleen, was born on July 4, 1951. Following her birth, they had ten more children: Joseph, Robert Jr.,
David, Courtney, Michael, Kerry, Christopher, Max, Douglas, and Rory. Tragically, Ethel was pregnant with their youngest child, Rory, when Robert was assassinated in 1968. Six months after her husband’s death, she gave birth to their last child, a testament to the strength Ethel showed during such a painful time.
The Kennedy children went on to make their own marks on the world, with several pursuing careers in politics, much like their father. Robert Jr., for example, was a prominent figure in American politics, while Kathleen served as Maryland’s lieutenant governor. Despite the prestige of the family, the Kennedys experienced significant loss over the years, with Ethel suffering the tragic deaths of two of her sons, David and Michael, during her lifetime.
Ethel’s Devotion to Robert Kennedy’s Legacy
Ethel Kennedy’s life after Robert’s death in 1968 was marked by her unwavering commitment to upholding his legacy. She was beside him the night he was assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan, just after winning the California primary in the 1968 presidential election. Ethel never remarried, stating in 1991 that she could never have another serious relationship with “Bobby looking down from heaven.”
Her devotion to Robert extended far beyond her personal life. Ethel established the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights (now called Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights) in his honor. This foundation was created to promote social justice, awarding work by human rights activists and journalists who demonstrated the values that both Ethel and Robert held dear. Even as she aged, Ethel remained passionate about the causes that defined her and Robert’s lives.
The Taylor Swift Connection: Ethel’s Love Story in Pop Culture
Ethel and Robert Kennedy’s love story even inspired pop star Taylor Swift. In 2012, Swift dated Ethel’s grandson, Conor Kennedy, and wrote a song called “Starlight,” based on Ethel and Robert’s relationship. The song describes a youthful romance from Ethel’s
perspective, capturing the magic of their early years together. Swift saw a photograph of the couple dancing and immediately felt inspired to capture that moment in her lyrics. The song references their eventual family life with lyrics like, “We could get married, have ten kids, and teach ’em how to dream,” a nod to the 11 children Ethel and Robert shared.
The Tragic End of Their Romance
Ethel’s world was shattered when Robert was assassinated in June 1968. At the time, he was campaigning for the U.S. presidency and had just won the California primary. Ethel was by his side in Los Angeles that night, standing witness to the tragedy that unfolded. Despite the profound grief, Ethel drew strength from her Catholic faith, believing that Robert was reunited with his brother, President John F. Kennedy, in heaven. This faith helped her endure the immense personal pain she suffered throughout her life.
Why Ethel Kennedy Never Remarried
Even though Ethel was seen with various men over the years following Robert’s death, she made it clear that she would never remarry. Her loyalty to Robert remained steadfast. In a 1991 interview with PEOPLE, she explained, “How could I possibly do that with Bobby looking down from heaven? That would be adultery.” For Ethel, Robert was irreplaceable, and she devoted herself to preserving his memory and caring for their children.
Ethel Kennedy’s Death and Legacy
Ethel Kennedy passed away on October 10, 2024, at the age of 96 from complications related to a stroke. She lived a full life, dedicated to her family and the causes she and Robert had fought for. Her daughter, Kerry Kennedy, confirmed her death in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), remembering her mother’s unwavering courage and commitment to human rights.
Though her life was marred by tragedy, Ethel’s legacy endures through her children, grandchildren, and the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights foundation. She is remembered not only as Robert’s widow but also as a human rights advocate who embodied strength, resilience, and love.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Ethel Kennedy married to?
Ethel Kennedy was married to Robert F. Kennedy, a U.S. senator and attorney general, from 1950 until his assassination in 1968.
2. How many children did Ethel Kennedy have?
Ethel Kennedy had 11 children with Robert F. Kennedy. Their first child, Kathleen, was born in 1951, and their youngest, Rory, was born six months after Robert’s death.
3. Did Ethel Kennedy ever remarry?
No, Ethel Kennedy never remarried after Robert’s death. She remained devoted to his memory for the rest of her life.
4. What foundation did Ethel Kennedy establish?
Ethel Kennedy founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, now known as Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, to continue her husband’s legacy of social justice and human rights advocacy.
5. How did Ethel Kennedy pass away?
Ethel Kennedy died on October 10, 2024, at the age of 96, due to complications from a stroke.
In conclusion, Ethel Kennedy’s life was marked by love, loss, and an enduring commitment to her family and the causes she believed in. Her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy remains an iconic part of American history.