Ethel Kennedy, the matriarch of one of Massachusetts’ notable political families and the oldest living member of the Kennedy lineage, has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke last week.
Her grandson, former Massachusetts Representative Joe Kennedy III, shared the update on X, previously known as Twitter, on Tuesday.
“She was brought to an area hospital where she is now receiving treatment,” he stated. “She is comfortable, receiving the best care, and surrounded by family. As you may know, she is a strong woman who has led a remarkably fulfilling life. We are here looking after her.”
Ethel Kennedy is 96 years old, making her the oldest living member of the Kennedy family, having been born on April 11, 1928.
She was married to former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968 during his presidential campaign. Ethel and Robert’s marriage lasted over 17 years, with his death occurring just under two weeks before their 18th anniversary. She has remained a widow since then.
Together, Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy had 11 children. Several have ventured into politics; their eldest child, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, made history as the first female lieutenant governor of Maryland, while their son Joseph Kennedy II served as a Massachusetts state representative.
Recently, Ethel’s son Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced his presidential candidacy for 2024 but withdrew from the race in August to endorse former President Donald Trump, a decision that drew criticism from his siblings. Kerry Kennedy expressed sentiments on X, stating, “Our brother Bobby’s decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear.”