Tributes continue to arise in honor of Ethel Kennedy, the matriarch of the Kennedy family. Ethel, the widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, passed away on Thursday at the age of 96, following complications from a stroke suffered just days earlier. Known for her dedication to raising their 11 children after her husband’s assassination, she remained committed to various social causes and the Kennedy legacy for many years.
Family members, including her children Max and Rory Kennedy, were spotted sailing in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, a familiar family activity, as others are expected to join them in the coming days. As of now, funeral arrangements have not been disclosed.
The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum has opened a condolence book in the lobby for visitors wishing to pay their respects to Ethel’s legacy, which will be available through the following week. The Kennedy family announced her passing on Thursday morning, recalling her as a loving mother and a passionate advocate for human rights.
Joe Kennedy III shared the news on social media, stating, “It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother.” He emphasized her profound influence through her commitment to social justice, which she shared with her nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-great-grandchildren.
President Joe Biden described Ethel as “an American icon” and commended her moral courage and resilience. He noted her extensive activism in human rights over the past five decades.
Ethel Kennedy dedicated much of her life to advocating for human rights through an organization she established in her late husband’s name. As one of the last surviving members of her generation in the Kennedy family, she recently cherished moments spent with relatives prior to her illness.
Born into wealth, she married Robert F. Kennedy in 1950 and faced a public life marked by tragedy. Ethel was present when Robert was shot on June 5, 1968, soon after winning the California Democratic primary, and the family had endured multiple losses over the years.
Ethel’s resilience was underscored in family statements, highlighting her strong faith and devotion to family. The family acknowledged her reunification with loved ones in the afterlife, including Robert and several of her children and grandchildren.
Ethel Kennedy founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights following her husband’s death and championed issues like gun control and human rights while largely refraining from discussing his assassination.
Her children have pursued various public roles, with some being widely recognized, including Kathleen Kennedy, who served as lieutenant governor of Maryland, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who became known as an environmental lawyer and a controversial figure in recent years due to his vaccine-related conspiracy theories.
Ethel divided her time between homes in Hyannis Port and Palm Beach, Florida, after selling their former residence, Hickory Hill, in 2009.