Maria Shriver Says That 15 Years After Her Mother Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s Death, ‘I Still Talk to Her All the Time’ (Exclusive)

Maria Shriver Opens Up About Continuing Connection with Late Mother Eunice Kennedy Shriver: Exclusive

Maria Shriver, an acclaimed journalist and the daughter of the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, reveals in a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE that more than 15 years after her mother’s passing, she still feels a strong spiritual connection with her. Maria expresses, “I still talk to my mother all the time. I seek out her advice and often I can hear her voice. I think she would just be really proud of me. I’ve always wanted to make her proud.”

In a touching tribute to her mother, Maria shares insights about their special bond in her upcoming book of poetry titled ‘I Am Maria,’ which is scheduled for release on April 1. Reflecting on how her mother used to support her literary works, Maria reminisces, “She loved all my books. She always went to the bookstores and moved my books to the front so that people could see them and buy them. She would often talk to the bookstore sellers, telling them she’s my mother and that they should prioritize my books. I’m going to miss her doing that for this book.”

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a prominent figure in philanthropy and advocacy for individuals with intellectual disabilities, passed away on Aug. 10, 2009, just a few weeks before the death of her youngest brother, Edward “Ted” Kennedy. Maria fondly recalls her mother’s enthusiastic promotion of her literary works and the unwavering support she provided throughout her life. “She was my biggest supporter, my biggest motivator. She was a force and she would also push me to do things I didn’t think I could do,” Maria shares with heartfelt admiration.

Known for her founding of the Special Olympics in 1968, Eunice’s altruistic endeavours and dedication to creating opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities have left a lasting impact on millions of lives worldwide. Today, the Special Olympics offers training and activities to over 5 million participants in 172 countries, symbolising the profound legacy of compassion and empowerment that Eunice instilled through her work.

Eunice’s commitment to uplifting marginalized communities stemmed from personal experiences, including the institutionalization of her sister, Rosemary Kennedy, who was born with intellectual disabilities. Motivated by a desire to advocate for equality and dignity for individuals facing similar challenges, Eunice transformed her anguish into positive action. Her granddaughter, Kathleen Shriver, underscores the transformative nature of Eunice’s advocacy, asserting that the Special Olympics movement was not merely about sweetness but about catalysing societal change.

For Maria, witnessing the ripple effects of her mother’s legacy through the Kennedy-Shriver family brings profound joy and fulfilment. Reflecting on her role as a grandmother and the joy it brings her, Maria expresses her belief that her mother would have cherished this new chapter in her life with equal delight. Maria’s thoughts extend to her eldest child, Katherine Schwarzenegger, whose middle name honours Eunice, as she imagines how her mother would have marvelled at Katherine’s accomplishments as a devoted wife and mother of three.

As Maria embraces the joys of grandmotherhood and derives inspiration from her family’s enduring legacy, she emphasises the significance of cherishing moments with loved ones, fostering connections, and finding delight in simplicity. Through her poignant reflections on love, loss, and legacy, Maria Shriver’s narrative illuminates the enduring bond between a daughter and her remarkable mother, resonating with readers worldwide.

‘I Am Maria’ is set to be published on April 1 and is now available for pre-order at leading bookstores and online retailers.

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This re-crafted article now presents Maria Shriver’s reflections on her enduring bond with her late mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, in a format that maintains the essence of the original piece while ensuring a distinctive and engaging narrative for readers.