Ethel Kennedy, the oldest living member of the prominent Kennedy political family from Massachusetts, has been hospitalized after experiencing 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 a local hospital where she is currently receiving treatment,” he stated. “She is comfortable, receiving excellent care, and surrounded by family. As many of you know, she is a resilient woman who has lived a remarkably full life. We are here to care for her.”
Ethel Kennedy is 96 years old and was born on April 11, 1928, making her the longest-lived member of the Kennedy family. She is the widow of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968 during his presidential campaign. The couple was married for over 17 years, and he passed away just days before their 18th anniversary. Ethel has not remarried since his death.
Together, Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy had 11 children. Many of their children have pursued political careers; their eldest, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, made history as Maryland’s first female lieutenant governor, and their son Joseph Kennedy II served as a representative in Massachusetts.
Most recently, Ethel’s son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., had entered the presidential race for 2024 but later withdrew and endorsed former President Donald Trump in August. This endorsement drew criticism from his siblings. Kerry Kennedy expressed their discontent 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.”