Robert and Ethel Kennedy with their children | Source: Getty Images
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 and Robert F. Kennedy boarding a plane for San Juan, Puerto Rico, in March 1966 | Source: Getty Images
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.
Ethel and Robert Kennedy Jr., Jean Kennedy-Smith, Rory Kennedy, and other family members attending the New York premiere of “Ethel” on October 15, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
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.”
Ethel Kennedy at the 2015 Ripple of Hope Awards, hosted by Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, on December 8, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
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.”
Ethel Kennedy in Washington, DC, on December 11, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
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 Shriver and Ethel Kennedy at The Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Benefit Reception in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 26, 2004 | Source: Getty Images
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.
Michaela Kennedy Cuomo holding her grandmother Ethel Kennedy’s hand, posted in October 2024 | Source: Instagram.com/michaelakennedycuomo
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.”
Ethel Kennedy and Bill Clinton sharing a hug during the 30th anniversary of Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination in Boston, Massachusetts, on June 5, 1998 | Source: Getty Images
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.”
Ethel Kennedy and Bill Clinton at the 35th Anniversary Dinner for the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial in New York City on December 12, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
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.
Ethel Kennedy at the Restore Ball in New York City on September 28, 1970 | Source: Getty Images
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.
Ethel Kennedy and Jean Kennedy Smith at Bloomingdale’s in New York City on June 8, 1978 | Source: Getty Images
In 1945, Ethel, then 17, met Jean’s brother, Robert, during a skiing trip at Mount Tremblant Resort in Quebec, Canada. At the time, Robert was dating Ethel’s sister, Patricia Skakel. However, after that relationship ended, Ethel and Robert began dating, marking the beginning of their lifelong partnership.
Robert and Ethel Kennedy’s wedding day at the Skakel estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, on June 17, 1950 | Source: Getty Images
Ethel’s dedication extended far beyond her marriage to Robert. She gained public recognition for her support of John F. Kennedy’s campaign, Robert’s brother, and later her husband’s successful run for a U.S. Senate seat representing New York.
Ethel even intensified her activism after her
husband was assassinated
in June 1968, shortly after he announced his presidential candidacy.
Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy sit, talking, on June 25, 1957 | Source: Getty Images
Ethel was a tireless advocate for social justice and human rights, leaving an enduring legacy that shaped the family’s deep commitment to humanitarian causes for generations. Robert Jr.
recalled
, “From the day she met my father, her new family observed that she was ‘more Kennedy than the Kennedys.'”
Ethel’s death followed her
recent hospitalization
due to a stroke
she suffered in her sleep, according to Joseph, who shared the news on social media on October 9. He revealed that Ethel had enjoyed a wonderful summer and transition into fall, but her health had unexpectedly taken a turn.
He also
revealed
that his grandmother was resting comfortably and “getting the best care possible,” while surrounded by her family.
Before Ethel’s hospitalization, she managed to celebrate her birthday last April. In a heartwarming photo on X, Joseph showed the world how she enjoyed her special day with her big family. He
captioned
the post, “Happy 96th to the World’s most amazing Gramma!! 🎂.”
Ethel’s daughter,
Kerry Kennedy
, also celebrated the matriarch’s birthday, highlighting some of her greatest achievements. She
penned
on Instagram, “My mother founded @rfkhumanrights in the fall of 1969 to carry forth my father’s legacy. For more than half a century, my mom has been a champion for justice, standing with human rights defenders around the globe.”
Kerry, president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, stated that Ethel’s bravery and dedication to human rights inspired the team daily. The non-profit organization works to ensure government accountability and advocates for human rights education and youth organizing.
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.