Ethel Kennedy beams in rare pic at home with all 11 children in tragic final photo just months before death

Ethel Kennedy, who died Thursday at the age of 96 , made a rare appearance in a rare family photograph that was snapped to commemorate her birthday. The the tragic final photo of Robert F. Kennedy was shared on social media on April 11 by her grandson.

"Happy 96th to the world’s most amazing Gramma!." he wrote in a heartfelt birthday tribute on X (formerly Twitter) for Ethel, who suffered a stroke last week.

Ethel celebrated her milestone birthday surrounded by family, including her son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a third-party presidential candidate, and his wife, Cheryl Hines.

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In the photo, Ethel, dressed in white, stands at the base of a staircase, while a table adorned with flowers, food, and wine can be seen in the foreground, capturing the joyful gathering.

Ethel was hospitalized last week after suffering a stroke.

Joe Kennedy wrote on X: "It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother, Ethel Kennedy. She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week. Along with a lifetime's work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly.

"She was a devout Catholic and a daily communicant, and we are comforted in knowing she is reunited with the love of her life, our father, Robert F. Kennedy; her children David and Michael; her daughter-in-law Mary; her grandchildren Maeve and Saoirse; and her great-grandchildren Gideon and Josie.

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The Kennedy matriarch, mother to Kathleen, Joseph II, Robert Jr., David, Courtney, Michael, Kerry, Christopher, Max, Douglas, and Rory, was one of the last living members of the generation that included President John F. Kennedy. According to the Associated Press, her family shared that she had recently cherished time with many relatives before becoming ill.

"She has had a great summer and transition into fall," said a family statement, issued after she was hospitalized. "Every day she enjoyed time with her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was able to get out on the water, visit the pier, and enjoy many lunches and dinners with family. It has been a gift to all of us and to her as well."

Ethel Kennedy led an extraordinary life, marked by significant tragedy, including the loss of her husband. She was with Robert F. Kennedy when he was tragically assassinated in the kitchen of the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968, shortly after his victory in the California Democratic presidential primary.