Daughter of the late human rights advocate and widow of Robert F. Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, is set to release a new biography honouring her mother, Ethel Kennedy. The book, titled “Ethel Kennedy: The Extraordinary Life and Bold Legacy,” is scheduled for publication on 13 October 2023 and promises to offer a revealing insight into the life of a woman who played a pivotal role in American history.
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Speaking to PEOPLE, Kerry shared her intention behind the biography, stating her desire to portray her mother as more than just the widow of RFK. “I want to introduce readers to the fearless, funny, and deeply compassionate Ethel Kennedy that few people knew,” she explained. Through this project, Kerry seeks to encapsulate the complexity of her mother’s character and contributions to society.
The cover of the book has already been released, showcasing Ethel’s remarkable journey. Drawing from personal family memories, extensive interviews, and Ethel’s own unpublished writings, the biography paints a “vivid, intimate” portrait of her life. Ethel Kennedy lived to be 96, passing away in 2024 from complications related to a stroke, leaving behind a legacy that had significant societal impact.
Ethel’s roots were in Chicago, where she grew up in a working-class family. Eventually, she moved to Greenwich, Connecticut, where she began her “fairytale” romance with Robert F. Kennedy, whom she met in 1945. Their relationship marked a defining chapter in her life, and it is one that Kerry explores with great fondness in her writing.
Kerry also reflects on her own upbringing, sharing stories of life at their family’s iconic homes in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, and Hickory Hill in McLean, Virginia. Amidst the backdrop of family gatherings that included political figures, Olympians, and Hollywood stars, Kerry and her ten siblings faced profound tragedies that shaped their familial bond.
A particularly heart-wrenching theme in the biography involves the tragic losses the Kennedy family endured, notably the assassinations of Robert F. Kennedy in 1968 and his brother, President John F. Kennedy, just five years earlier. The untimely deaths of two of Kerry’s own siblings also serve as a sombre reminder of the family’s resilience in the face of adversity.
In her tribute, Kerry aims to highlight her mother’s dedication to global human rights advocacy while also shedding light on her multifaceted personality. “I want to celebrate my mother’s wit, creativity, and the abiding faith that helped her raise 11 children in the face of devastating loss,” she noted. Kerry hopes the book will reflect the balance of joy and sorrow that characterised their lives, focusing on the “fun, the laughter, the good times that got us through the bad ones,” as Ethel would say.
This biography marks a continuation of Kerry Kennedy’s literary contributions, following her previous works, including “Robert F. Kennedy: Ripples of Hope,” and “Speak Truth to Power: Human Rights Defenders Who Are Changing Our World.” With each publication, Kerry has endeavoured to honour her family’s legacy while advocating for social justice.
“Ethel Kennedy: The Extraordinary Life and Bold Legacy” is now available for preorder at major booksellers and is expected to resonate with readers who have an interest in both the Kennedy family saga and the wider sphere of social activism. Through this book, Kerry Kennedy aims to ensure that Ethel’s enduring spirit and significant achievements are remembered and celebrated for generations to come.