Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy, passed away on October 10, 2024, at the age of 96. Her death came on the heels of an illustrious life dedicated to family and human rights advocacy, marking the end of an era for a prominent figure in American history.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Robert-F-Kennedy-and-Ethel-Kennedys-relationship-04-49b4be2a9a3443b39fe303e10d48df04.jpg)
Born in 1928, Ethel Kennedy became widely known after her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy in 1950. Their union lasted 18 years, ending tragically with Robert’s assassination in 1968. Ethel was pregnant with their youngest child, Rory, at the time of his death. Throughout their marriage, the couple welcomed a total of 11 children, a large family that Ethel often described as a dream come true, reflecting her own upbringing in a big family. “We both wanted a lot of children, but there wasn’t a huge discussion about it,” she explained in a 2012 interview.
Robert and Ethel first crossed paths in 1945 at Manhattanville College when Ethel was just 17 years old and already knew she wanted to marry him. Despite Robert previously dating her sister, Patricia, the two became engaged shortly after his breakup and married in a grand ceremony in Greenwich, Connecticut. Their wedding was celebrated in the press as one of the most beautiful of the year, with lively accounts of bridesmaids taking a dip in the pool during the festivities.
The Kennedy family tree flourished over the years, with the couple welcoming their first child, Kathleen, on July 4, 1951. This was followed by a further ten children: Joseph, Robert Jr., David, Courtney, Michael, Kerry, Christopher, Max, Douglas, and Rory. Ethel faced the immense challenge of motherhood during a tumultuous period while simultaneously supporting Robert’s rising political career. Some of their children, notably Robert Jr., have followed in their father’s footsteps, engaging in public service and politics.
Ethel’s connection to the entertainment world also gained media attention; notably, musician Taylor Swift drew inspiration from Ethel and Robert’s love story for her 2012 song “Starlight.” The track, written from Ethel’s perspective, captures their youthful romance and ambition to build a large family.
Throughout her life, Ethel faced several personal tragedies, including the untimely deaths of her sons David and Michael. David struggled with addiction and died of an overdose in 1984, while Michael tragically passed away in a skiing accident in 1997. Ethel attributed her resilience in navigating these hardships to her faith, often quoting that she lived “in the moment” to cope.
Ethel’s involvement in politics extended beyond her marriage, as she actively supported both her husband Robert and his brother John F. Kennedy during their respective presidential campaigns. In 1962, she joined Robert on a global goodwill tour designed to foster international connections and showcase a more relatable side of America.
Tragedy struck on June 5, 1968, when Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in Los Angeles right after winning the California primary. Ethel was by his side during his final moments, a poignant testament to their deep bond. Following his death, she vowed never to remarry, believing that to do so would be a betrayal of his memory. “How could I possibly do that with Bobby looking down from heaven?” she once mused.
In honour of her husband’s legacy, Ethel established the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, now known simply as Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. The foundation is known for recognising significant contributions by journalists and human rights activists. Ethel remained passionately involved in social issues, especially those relating to environmental causes and the rights of migrant workers, throughout her life.
Ethel Kennedy leaves behind a legacy enriched by her unwavering commitment to her family and her tireless advocacy for social justice. Her daughter Kerry now manages the foundation, continuing the mission that Ethel worked to uphold for decades.
As a mother, a widow, and a champion of human rights, Ethel Kennedy is remembered not only for her profound love story with Robert but also for her lifelong dedication to the ideals they cherished together.