In a poignant reflection on the enduring connection between two of America’s iconic figures, Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy, has shared insights into the deep friendship between her mother and former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Their relationship spanned decades, marked by shared experiences of personal tragedy and resilience, which Kerry explores in her forthcoming book, *Ethel Kennedy: The Extraordinary Life and Bold Legacy*.
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Kerry highlights the profound bond that developed between the two women, both of whom faced immense loss with the tragic assassinations of their husbands. John F. Kennedy was killed on November 22, 1963, and just five years later, Robert F. Kennedy was also shot dead, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with public service and personal sacrifice.
The shared history of the two families began in the 1950s when the Kennedys spent significant time together in Georgetown. “Daddy, my mother, and Uncle Jack shared a house,” Kerry recounts. “While my father was working in New York, Mother flitted back and forth, and Uncle Jack was there during the week, campaigning on weekends.” She notes that this close arrangement allowed for a blossoming friendship, as JFK and Jackie began their romance and the couples enjoyed outings together before they became public figures.
Ethel and Robert Kennedy married in 1950, followed closely by JFK and Jackie’s wedding in 1953. This kinship laid the groundwork for a powerful friendship characterised by mutual support and shared adventures within their expanding families. “They formed this extraordinary bond of mutual friendship,” Kerry explains, underscoring the unique journey the women embarked upon within such a high-profile environment.
Beyond their familial ties, Kerry paints a picture of two women united by common interests. “Both Ethel and Jackie had an insatiable love for books, often reading two or three weekly,” she shares. “They were creative and had fantastic senses of humour, frequently writing songs to old tunes for family celebrations.” This shared joy not only enhanced their relationship but also provided an outlet for creativity amid the pressures they faced.
The narrative takes a more somber turn with the revealing of Jackie’s battle against non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, diagnosed in 1993. She passed away on May 19, 1994, at the age of 64, leaving behind her children, Caroline and John F. Kennedy Jr., and partner Maurice Tempelsman. In a touching tribute, Kerry recalls a final visit with Jackie alongside her mother, reflecting on the emotional weight of that evening. “It was a very beautiful and tender moment,” she recalls, capturing the essence of their bond as they faced the inevitable farewell.
Kerry also shares that her mother’s life was marked by further tragedies, including the deaths of two of her sons, David and Michael Kennedy, and granddaughter Saoirse, alongside ongoing grief from losing her husband. Through all these losses, Ethel found strength in her faith. “She was dedicated to her spiritual practices, attending church daily and integrating prayer into her routine,” Kerry adds, highlighting the foundation of her mother’s resilience.
Throughout her life, Ethel was not only defined by her family ties but also by her commitment to humanitarian causes. In 1968, she founded the Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Centre, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to civil rights and social justice. Ethel’s efforts to uphold her husband’s legacy as a champion for civil rights persisted until her death in 2024.
Kerry’s upcoming book, releasing on October 13, offers a comprehensive look at Ethel’s life and legacy, encapsulating her experiences as both a Kennedy and a mother who dedicated her life to fostering change. The intimacy of Kerry’s reflections serves not just to honour the extraordinary lives of her mother and aunt but also to shed light on the power of friendship amidst shared adversity.
As readers eagerly anticipate the book’s release, the complexities of the personal and public lives of the Kennedy women continue to resonate, reminding us of their significant impact on American history and society.