Ethel Kennedy, a revered figure in American politics and the widow of Robert F. Kennedy, passed away at the age of 96. Her grandson, former Representative Joe Kennedy III, announced her death on Thursday, revealing that she succumbed to complications following a stroke she suffered the previous week. “It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother,” he stated, highlighting the profound impact she had on her family and beyond. Ethel Kennedy leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, each of whom cherished her deeply.
Ethel’s life was characterized by both exuberant highs and tragic lows. Born Ethel Skakel in Chicago in 1928, she grew up in a privileged environment that offered her opportunities and experiences few could fathom. The daughter of a successful businessman, her childhood was spent in the affluent town of Greenwich, Connecticut, where her family relocated due to her father’s thriving energy business. She attended Manhattanville College, where she met Jean Kennedy, a friendship that would ultimately lead her to marry Robert F. Kennedy in 1950.
The couple settled in Washington, D.C., where Robert embarked on a promising career as a lawyer and, later, as the Attorney General under his brother, President John F. Kennedy. Their early years were marked by joy, as they welcomed their first child, Kathleen. However, tragedy struck in 1955 when both of Ethel’s parents died in a plane crash, an event that would cast a long shadow over her life.
The tumultuous 1960s would test Ethel’s resilience like never before. The assassination of her brother-in-law, President Kennedy, on November 22, 1963, shattered not only her family but the nation as a whole. Robert, however, remained steadfast in his pursuit of public service, often acknowledging Ethel’s pivotal role in his political life. During his campaign for the presidency, he noted, “She has made such a major difference in this campaign and a major difference for me.”
But just as hope surged with his campaign, tragedy struck again. On June 5, 1968, Robert Kennedy was assassinated after delivering a victory speech in Los Angeles. Ethel, pregnant with their eleventh child, became a widow at 40, left to raise ten children alone. The moment marked a turning point in her life, fueling her commitment to social justice and advocacy for human rights.
Following Robert’s death, Ethel Kennedy became an outspoken advocate for various causes, including gun control. She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center to continue her husband’s legacy of fighting for justice. In her letters to the California Parole Board, she consistently opposed the release of her husband’s assassin, emphasizing Robert’s vision of a better world, free from violence and hatred. “He wanted to end the war in Vietnam and bring people together to build a better, stronger country,” she wrote in 2021, highlighting the personal and societal loss stemming from his death.
Tragedy followed Ethel throughout her life. In 1984, her son David died of a drug overdose, and in 1997, her son Michael lost his life in a skiing accident. Ethel’s compassion and love for her family remained steadfast despite these devastating losses. She was known to send a handwritten plea for leniency for her nephew Michael Skakel, who was convicted of murder, illustrating her complex yet enduring familial loyalties.
Ethel Kennedy’s contributions to society did not go unrecognized. In 2014, President Barack Obama honored her with the Congressional Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian award. “She is an emblem of enduring faith and enduring hope,” Obama remarked during the ceremony, acknowledging her influence and the grace with which she navigated personal and public challenges.
Despite her high-profile status, Ethel maintained a deeply private life for many years, often shying away from public attention. However, she emerged in support of Barack Obama’s presidential campaign in 2008, and her family’s involvement in politics remained significant throughout the years.
In 2012, Ethel was celebrated at the Sundance Film Festival with the premiere of the documentary “Ethel,” directed by her youngest daughter, Rory Kennedy. This film chronicled her remarkable life and resilience, offering a glimpse into the complexities of her character and the impact she made on those around her.
Rory reflected on her mother’s life, stating, “You would be hard-pressed to find another like her.” Indeed, Ethel Kennedy’s legacy is one of unyielding spirit, commitment to social justice, and an unwavering love for her family. As we remember Ethel Kennedy, we celebrate a woman who not only endured unimaginable loss but also dedicated her life to advocating for those who could not advocate for themselves. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her influence will undoubtedly resonate for generations to come.