Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy and revered human rights advocate, died at 96 following stroke complications.
Breitbart reported that Kennedy died on Thursday, after a week of hospitalization due to stroke complications. The matriarch of the Kennedy family was surrounded by loved ones during her final moments. Her passing was confirmed through a heartfelt message from her grandson, Joe Kennedy III, on the social media platform X.
Born Ethel Skakel on April 11, 1928, in Chicago, she embarked on a life of both privilege and intense personal tragedy. Ethel married Robert F. Kennedy, with whom she had nine children. Their partnership, steeped in political and social activism, was tragically cut short with his assassination in June 1968.
Their life together was marred by Robert’s assassination during his presidential campaign. This followed several family tragedies, including the death of her brother-in-law, President John F. Kennedy. The ensuing years brought more sorrow with the deaths of her son David in 1984 from a drug overdose and another son, Michael, in a skiing accident in 1997.
Ethel's resilience was tested time and again as she faced the unfathomable losses of her daughter-in-law, Mary, and grandchildren Maeve and Saoirse. Her life was a tapestry of personal achievement and public bereavements—a testament to her strong character and enduring faith.
Despite the tragedies, Ethel's faith remained unshakeable. A devout Catholic, she attended Mass daily, drawing strength and solace from her religion. Her commitment to her family was evident in her last days, having enjoyed the company of many relatives shortly before falling ill.
Joe Kennedy III, in his announcement, remembered his grandmother as a beacon of love and justice, revered by both family and the wider community. He highlighted her deep faith and comfort in believing she would reunite with lost loved ones.
Throughout her life, Ethel Kennedy was not only a torchbearer for her family's political legacy but also an ardent advocate for human rights. Her endeavors stretched beyond the boundaries of her immediate family to touch the lives of those far beyond her direct influence.
Philip Johnson, reflecting on the Kennedy family's numerous trials, remarked on the resilience required to endure such repeated grief. Ethel's death marks the end of an era for the Kennedy family and the broader sphere of social justice she fervently championed.
Even in her advanced years, Ethel Kennedy remained engaged with her expansive family—surviving are her nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. Her death not only leaves a void in the Kennedy lineage but also in the hearts of all who were inspired by her compassion and resilience.
In his tribute, Joe emphasized her reconnection with family members who predeceased her, expressing solace in their spiritual reunion. He called for prayers and fond remembrances in honor of Ethel’s profound legacy.
As the world remembers Ethel Kennedy, her life stands as a monument to overcoming personal loss through a commitment to the greater good.
Her legacy is characterized by her indomitable spirit, deep faith, and tireless advocacy for human rights.
Ethel Kennedy, a true matriarch, has left behind a legacy that will inspire generations. Her life was a series of love, loss, and an unyielding commitment to justice—a narrative that will continue to influence and resonate within the global community. As we reflect on her monumental life, we recall a woman who was both a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope for many.