President Joe Biden paid tribute to Ethel Kennedy, the human rights activist and widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, during her funeral on Wednesday, describing her as “a hero in her own right.” He honored her extensive public service and the personal bond they shared.
Biden recalled how Ethel supported him through a challenging period in his life, specifically referencing the tragic 1972 accident that claimed the lives of his first wife and daughter and seriously injured his two sons shortly after he was elected to the Senate. “Ethel helped my family find a way forward with principle and purpose,” he stated.
Ethel Kennedy, who passed away last week at the age of 96, was among the last connections to the “Camelot” legacy associated with her brother-in-law, John F. Kennedy, who was president until his assassination in 1963. Robert Kennedy served as attorney general during his brother’s presidency and was elected to the Senate in 1964, but he was also assassinated in 1968 while campaigning for the presidency.
Biden often cites Robert Kennedy as a significant influence in his political journey, which motivated him to leave a lucrative law firm to serve as a public defender. He conveyed to the Kennedy family that his choices were guided by the example set by their patriarch.
At Ethel’s funeral, Biden reflected on receiving heartfelt letters from her, including a memorable Valentine’s Day card with a playful message that read, “I’m not Biden my time waiting for your Valentine / Because he’s no ordinary Joe.” He remarked that despite numerous accolades, that card felt like one of the greatest honors he had ever received.
The relationship between the Kennedys and Bidens is notable, as both families are the only Catholic presidential families in U.S. history. Several members of the Kennedy family, influential within the Democratic Party, endorsed Biden’s reelection bid earlier this year, while also opposing Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s independent campaign against him.
Following Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race in July, the Kennedy family chose to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. later suspended his campaign in August to support former President Donald Trump. While Kennedy attended his mother’s funeral, he and Biden did not have an opportunity to interact.
Both families are no strangers to significant personal loss, with Biden reflecting on his son Beau’s battle with brain cancer, who passed away in 2015. He expressed solidarity with the Kennedy family, saying, “The Biden family is here for you, as you’ve always been for us.”