Ethel Kennedy, a notable human rights advocate and the widow of Robert F. Kennedy, has passed away at the age of 96, as confirmed by her family. The matriarch of one of America’s most prominent political families died on Wednesday following a stroke she suffered the previous week.
Her grandson, Joe Kennedy, shared heartfelt sentiments in a statement, honoring his “amazing grandmother.” Ethel Kennedy stood by her husband, Robert, during his tragic assassination as he campaigned for the presidency in 1968. This loss followed the earlier assassination of her brother-in-law, President John F. Kennedy, in 1963.
In a poignant family statement, the Kennedys expressed, “With our hearts full of love, we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother, Ethel Kennedy.” They highlighted her legacy in social justice and human rights, leaving behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. The family described her as a “devout Catholic,” finding solace in the thought that she is reunited with her beloved Robert and other family members in the afterlife.
Ethel Kennedy founded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights foundation shortly after her husband’s assassination and while pregnant with their eleventh child. The foundation, dedicated to advancing human rights through litigation, recognized her as a significant political figure who addressed human rights challenges both domestically and internationally.
The foundation remembered her as a “champion for justice,” standing alongside human rights defenders globally, and noted the tremendous impact she made throughout her life.
