Robert F. Kennedy’s Widow Ethel Kennedy Dies at 96
Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy, has died at 96 years old. She passed surrounded by family in the hospital after suffering from a stroke. Her daughter Kerry Kennedy confirmed the news on social media and wrote, “It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our mother, Ethel Kennedy. She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week.”
Ethel continued the work of her husband after his 1968 assassination and spent much of her life devoted to politics as well as caring for their 11 children. Born in Chicago on April 11, 1928, to Great Lakes Carbon Corporation cofounder George Skakel, Ethel met Robert when she was still fairly young; they eventually wed on June 17, 1950. They remained together until his death. Ethel was three months pregnant with their youngest at the time.
It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our mother, Ethel Kennedy. Please keep our mother in your hearts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/bdIQFsC0CS
— Kerry Kennedy (@KerryKennedyRFK) October 10, 2024
Over the years, she became involved in environmental, children’s and mental health causes. She cofounded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, which promotes social justice and human rights advocacy, and she has also worked with the Special Olympics.
Some may remember Ethel’s cameo in a 1982 episode of Cheers. Her youngest daughter, Rory, became a filmmaker and made a documentary about her mother called Ethel in 2012. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and later on HBO.
Dick Morseman/Newsday RM via Getty Images
She is survived by nine children, 34 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, plus various nieces and nephews.
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