Remembering Ethel Kennedy: Political Activist and Mother of 11 Who Left a Lasting Legacy

The Kennedy family matriarch, Ethel Kennedy, died on October 10, 2024, at age 96. She is best known for her marriage to Senator Robert F. Kennedy and her advocacy work after his death.

Her death was announced by her grandson Joseph P. Kennedy III 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. Please keep her in your hearts and prayers.”

Ethel had 11 children with her late husband, the youngest of who, Rory Kennedy Bailey, was born after Robert was assassinated. She was also the mother of politician Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently dropped out of the 2024 presidential race.

“Even as she declined in recent months, she never lost her sense of fun, her humor, her spark, her spunk, and her joie de vivre. She wrung joy from every moment, but for 56 years, she has spoken with yearning for the day she would reunite with her beloved husband,” the politician wrote in an Instagram statement. “ She is with him now , with my brothers David and Michael, with her parents, her six siblings, all of whom predeceased her, and her ‘adopted’ Kennedy siblings Jack, Kick, Joe, Teddy, Eunice, Jean, Rosemary, and Patricia. “

“From the day she met my father, her new family observed that she was ‘ more Kennedy than the Kennedys .’ She was never more enthusiastic about the afterlife than when she considered that she would also be reunited with her many dogs, including 16 Irish setters, all conveniently named ‘Rusty.’”

At the time of her death, Ethel also had 34 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She was also famously the sister-in-law of the late John F. Kennedy.

The life of Ethel Kennedy

Ethel was born on April 11, 1928, and met her husband, Robert, in college. They married in 1950 and remained together until his death in 1968.

"I didn't think how I would survive," Ethel said of her husband's death. “I knew it would happen, but I didn't know how. "

"I'd wake up in the morning and think he was happy in heaven and he had Jack [John J. Kennedy] — and they were together as they had been together on earth."

After her husband's death, Ethel vowed never to remarry, saying, “How could I possibly do that with Bobby looking down from heaven? That would be adultery .”

The lasting legacy of Ethel Kennedy

Aside from her family, Ethel will best be remembered for continuing to speak out on the most important issues.  In 1968, she formed the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights , which is now run by her daughter, Kerry Kennedy.

She was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014 by former President Barack Obama for contributions to environmental protection, poverty reduction, social justice and human rights.

“ Ethel Kennedy was a dear friend with a passion for justice, an irrepressible spirit, and a great sense of humor,” Obama wrote on Instagram following her death. “She touched the lives of countless people around the world with her generosity and grace and was an emblem of enduring faith and hope, even in the face of unimaginable grief. Michelle and I are thinking of the Kennedy family and all those who loved this extraordinary woman.”

May Ethel Kennedy rest in peace.

For more breaking news, keep scrolling!

Jenna Fischer Shares Her Breast Cancer Journey and Inspires Women to Act

Tom Selleck ‘Frustrated’ by CBS Ending ‘Blue Bloods’ After 15 Years

Al Pacino Lost His Pulse While Battling COVID-19—Read His Near-Death Story