A prominent voice for social justice, Ethel Kennedy died at the age of 96, her family announced in heartfelt messages on social media.
Ethel Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy’s widow, passed away in Boston, surrounded by her loved ones. Her death marks the end of a remarkable life shaped by activism, resilience, and deep devotion to her family.
Ethel’s grandson, Joseph “Joe” Kennedy III, shared the news on Twitter, “She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week.” He noted that she leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.
Joseph described his grandmother as a devout Catholic and daily communicant, finding comfort in the belief that she is now reunited with her late husband, Robert, as well as her sons David and Michael, daughter-in-law, Mary, grandchildren, Maeve and Saoirse, and great-grandchildren, Gideon and Josie.
Joseph’s uncle, Robert Kennedy Jr. also expressed his loss on the same platform, reflecting on his mother’s vibrant spirit despite her recent health decline, “She never lost her sense of fun, her humor, her spark, her spunk, and her joie de vivre.”
Robert Jr. also mentioned that Ethel often spoke about reuniting with her deceased loved ones, “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.”
More tributes poured in, celebrating Ethel’s life and legacy. Maria Shriver, her niece, shared a heartfelt message, “What a life she led. What a huge family she created and leaves behind. I’m so glad I was able to laugh with her this summer, to share memories with her.”
Maria went on to describe Ethel’s remarkable qualities, calling her fearless, funny, smart, an incredible athlete, a patriot, and deeply in love with Robert, whom she fondly called “Uncle Bobby.”
She also highlighted her aunt’s deep spirituality, “When it got tough, and there were a lot of tough times, she dug in. She relied on her faith like my own mother.”
Following Maria’s tribute, Ethel’s granddaughter, Michaela Kennedy Cuomo, shared a photo on her Instagram Story, showing her hand holding Ethel’s, adorned with a large diamond ring. The image, set to Taylor Swift’s song “Starlight,” captured their closeness in Ethel’s final moments.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Bill Clinton expressed his and Hillary’s condolences, joining Ethel’s family and people worldwide in honoring her long and meaningful life. He described Ethel as a “fierce fighter for justice and equality, a warm, wonderful woman, a great mother, and a dear friend.”
Bill praised Ethel’s commitment to carrying on her late husband’s unfinished work through the establishment of RFK Human Rights, noting that she was “fearless and indefatigable, a true force of nature.”
Beyond her public life, Bill fondly remembered that Ethel would send “the best Valentine’s Day cards ever” to their family. “Hillary and I loved her very much and will always be honored by the friendship, kindness, and support she gave us through the years,” he added.
Ethel was born to a wealthy family on April 11, 1928, in Chicago. Her father, George Skakel, built a successful coal business, leading the family to settle in a large estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, where Ethel grew up with her six siblings.
She attended the all-girls Greenwich Academy in Greenwich, followed by the Convent of the Sacred Heart in the Bronx, and later, the Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart. It was at college that she met Jean Kennedy, and they became close friends and roommates. This friendship would soon change the course of her life.
It also promotes dignity and equality in workplaces and the investment sector while supporting grassroots changemakers. In recognition of Ethel’s achievements, Kerry expressed her admiration, saying, “Happy birthday to the greatest mom I could ever imagine! 🎂❤️.”
From tributes to birthday wishes, it’s clear that Ethel’s influence was profound. She will be remembered for her humanitarian efforts and the deep love she shared with family and friends throughout her 96 extraordinary years.
