What to know about Ethel Kennedy, the oldest living member of the famous Kennedy family

Ethel Kennedy , the matriarch and oldest living member of one of Massachusetts' most prominent political families, has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke last week.

Her grandson, former Massachusetts Rep. Joe Kennedy III, announced the news in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday.

"She was brought to an area hospital where she is now receiving treatment," he said. "She is comfortable, she is getting the best care possible, and she is surrounded by family. She is, as you may know, a strong woman who has led a remarkably fulfilling life. We are here looking after her."

Here's what to know about her.

How old is Ethel Kennedy?

Ethel Kennedy is 96 years old, making her the oldest living member of the Kennedy family.

She was born on April 11, 1928.

Who was Ethel Kennedy married to?

Ethel Kennedy is the widow of former United States Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. He was fatally shot in 1968 during his campaign for the presidency .

Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy were married for more than 17 years. He died less than two weeks before their 18th wedding anniversary. She never remarried.

Who are Ethel Kennedy's children? How she is related to Robert F. Kennedy Jr

Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy had 11 children together.

Several of their children pursued careers in politics — their oldest child, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, was the first female lieutenant governor of Maryland, and their son, Joseph Kennedy II, was a Massachusetts state representative.

Most recently, Ethel Kennedy's son Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ran for president in 2024, before dropping out of the race and endorsing former President Donald Trump in August. His siblings criticized the endorsement.

"Our brother Bobby's decision to endorse Trump today is a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear,"  Kerry Kennedy wrote in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: What to know about Ethel Kennedy, the oldest living member of the famous Kennedy family