Ethel Kennedy, widow of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and lifelong social activist, passed away at 96. Known for her devotion to family and human rights causes, Ethel’s life was marked by tragedy and resilience as she carried forward the Kennedy legacy.
Ethel Kennedy Dies at 96 After Lifelong Dedication to Family and Justice
Ethel Kennedy, wife of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, passed away on Thursday at the age of 96, surrounded by her family. The Kennedy matriarch had been hospitalized after suffering a stroke last week. Her family, including 9 surviving children and numerous grandchildren, announced her passing with heartfelt tributes.
Ethel’s life was marked by both extraordinary resilience and devotion to social causes, as she navigated the tragedies that often surrounded the Kennedy family while raising her 11 children after her husband’s assassination.
Enduring Tragedy and Preserving the Kennedy Legacy
Ethel Kennedy endured more loss by the age of 40 than many would in a lifetime. Her husband, Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1968, only five years after the assassination of his brother, President John F. Kennedy. Ethel also experienced the deaths of her parents in a plane crash in 1955, and later mourned the tragic loss of several of her children and relatives, including her son David to a drug overdose and son Michael in a skiing accident.
Despite these personal hardships, Ethel Kennedy maintained her strength through her faith and commitment to her family. She remained a devout Catholic and often drew comfort from her beliefs, particularly after her husband’s death.
A Life of Social Activism
Ethel Kennedy was more than just the widow of Robert F. Kennedy—she was a passionate advocate for social justice and human rights. After her husband’s death, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, which became a significant voice for civil rights, human rights, and advocacy. Her commitment to causes like gun control, environmental protection, and workers’ rights extended throughout her life.
One of her notable public appearances in recent years was her participation in protests, including a 2018 hunger strike against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. She also supported the Coalition of Gun Control and remained active in various other causes, including the Special Olympics.
A Role in the Kennedy Political Dynasty
Ethel Kennedy was a vital force within the Kennedy family, known for backing her husband’s political ambitions and continuing to inspire her children’s and grandchildren’s contributions to public life. Her children and grandchildren have taken on various roles in public service, human rights activism, and environmental advocacy, ensuring that the Kennedy legacy lives on.
Her son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., became well known for his environmental advocacy but later evolved into a controversial figure due to his conspiracy theories about vaccines. Ethel did not publicly comment on her son’s actions, though other family members distanced themselves from him.
A Lasting Legacy in Human Rights and Justice
Ethel Kennedy’s life was characterized by her commitment to social justice, human rights, and her large family. Despite facing overwhelming personal losses, she never ceased to advocate for causes close to her heart. She received multiple honors for her lifelong work, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2014.
Her legacy continues through the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, an organization that works to promote human rights around the globe.
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