President Joe Biden delivered a heartfelt eulogy for Ethel Kennedy, a prominent human rights advocate and widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, describing her as “a hero in her own right.” The service took place at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, where Biden reflected on Ethel’s enduring friendship and her significant contributions to public service.
Biden recounted how Ethel played a crucial role during a challenging period in his life following the tragic 1972 accident that claimed the lives of his first wife and daughter, while severely injuring his two sons. He stated, “Like she did for the country, Ethel helped my family find a way forward with principle and purpose.”
Ethel Kennedy passed away last week at the age of 96, representing a link to the “Camelot” era associated with her brother-in-law, John F. Kennedy, who served as president until his assassination in 1963. Robert Kennedy, who was the attorney general during his brother’s presidency and later a U.S. Senator from New York, was assassinated in 1968 while campaigning for president.
Biden has often cited Robert Kennedy as a significant influence on his own political journey, recalling how he was motivated to leave a prestigious law firm to become a public defender, inspired by what Robert would have done. He has kept busts of both Robert Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his desk in the Oval Office as symbols of his admiration.
During his speech at Ethel Kennedy’s funeral, Biden also shared memories of receiving letters from her, including a memorable Valentine’s Day card that humorously read: “I’m not Biden my time waiting for your Valentine / Because he’s no ordinary Joe.” Biden remarked that the card was among the greatest honors he has received.
The connection between the Kennedy and Biden families is notable, as they are the only two Catholic presidential families in U.S. history. Several members of the Kennedy family endorsed Biden’s reelection campaign this year, while expressing their disapproval of Ethel’s son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who announced a third-party candidacy against Biden. After Biden exited the presidential race in July, the Kennedy family endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his campaign in August and subsequently endorsed former President Donald Trump. Although Robert attended his mother’s funeral, he and Biden did not appear to interact.
Both families have faced considerable personal losses. Biden touched upon the grief of losing his son, Beau, to cancer in 2015, stating to the crowd, “Your mom was there then, too.” In his concluding remarks, Biden offered support to the Kennedy family, saying, “The Biden family is here for you, as you’ve always been for us.”