No, Ethel Kennedy never remarried after the death of her husband, Robert F. Kennedy, in 1968. Robert F. Kennedy, a U.S. Senator and brother of President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated during his campaign for the presidency.
Ethel, then 40 years old and pregnant with their eleventh child, chose to dedicate herself to raising their children and preserving her late husband’s legacy. Despite remaining a prominent public figure and involved in charitable work, Ethel has remained single ever since, focusing on her family and humanitarian causes.
How Many Children Did Ethel Kennedy Have?
Ethel Kennedy had 11 children with Robert F. Kennedy. The couple’s large family became one of the most well-known in American political history. Their children are:
- Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (born 1951)
- Joseph P. Kennedy II (born 1952)
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (born 1954)
- David Kennedy (1955–1984)
- Courtney Kennedy Hill (born 1956)
- Michael Kennedy (1958–1997)
- Kerry Kennedy (born 1959)
- Christopher G. Kennedy (born 1963)
- Max Kennedy (born 1965)
- Douglas Kennedy (born 1967)
- Rory Kennedy (born 1968)
Ethel raised her children in the wake of their father’s death, and several of them have gone on to have prominent careers in politics, law, and activism, continuing the Kennedy family’s strong tradition of public service.
When did Ethel Kennedy Died?
In her later years, Kennedy resided at the Kennedy Compound in Massachusetts and in Palm Beach, Florida. She died in Boston on October 10, 2024, at the age of 96, after being hospitalized for a stroke she had the week prior.
Following the news of her death, President Joe Biden, and former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton gave tributes to Kennedy.
How Old Was Ethel?
As of 2024, Ethel Kennedy is 96 years old. She was born on April 11, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, and became a key figure in American political life after marrying Robert F. Kennedy in 1950. Despite facing numerous personal tragedies, including the assassinations of both her husband and brother-in-law, Ethel has remained a resilient figure, dedicating much of her life to human rights and social justice causes.
Who Was the Forgotten Kennedy Daughter?
The “forgotten” Kennedy daughter is Rosemary Kennedy, the third child of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. Born in 1918, Rosemary experienced intellectual disabilities that the family struggled to address in a time when mental health was poorly understood. In 1941, at age 23, Rosemary underwent a lobotomy, a then-experimental surgical procedure intended to help manage her condition. Unfortunately, the operation left her permanently incapacitated, with limited cognitive and motor skills.
Following the lobotomy, Rosemary was sent to live in a care facility in Wisconsin, away from public view, leading to her being somewhat forgotten by the public compared to her famous siblings. However, her story later became a pivotal moment in the family’s history, inspiring her siblings, particularly Eunice Kennedy Shriver, to advocate for the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Rosemary’s legacy is seen in the founding of the Special Olympics by Eunice.
Who Are the 9 Kennedy Children?
Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy had nine children, who became one of the most famous families in American history:
- Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. (1915–1944): The eldest son, Joseph was killed during World War II while serving as a Navy pilot.
- John F. Kennedy (1917–1963): The 35th President of the United States, assassinated in 1963.
- Rosemary Kennedy (1918–2005): The third child, who lived most of her life in care after her failed lobotomy.
- Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy (1920–1948): A socialite and philanthropist, she died in a plane crash.
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver (1921–2009): Founder of the Special Olympics and advocate for people with disabilities.
- Patricia Kennedy Lawford (1924–2006): An actress and wife of actor Peter Lawford.
- Robert F. Kennedy (1925–1968): U.S. Senator and Attorney General, assassinated during his presidential campaign.
- Jean Kennedy Smith (1928–2020): U.S. Ambassador to Ireland and a diplomat.
- Ted Kennedy (1932–2009): U.S. Senator from Massachusetts for nearly 47 years, a major figure in American politics.
Who Is Ethel Kennedy’s Husband?
Ethel Kennedy‘s husband was Robert F. Kennedy, the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy. Robert, also known as “Bobby”, was a U.S. Senator, the former U.S. Attorney General, and a prominent political figure in his own right. Known for his advocacy on issues such as civil rights, anti-poverty programs, and opposition to the Vietnam War, Robert was running for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1968 when he was assassinated on June 5, 1968, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 42.
Robert F. Kennedy’s legacy lives on through his family, including his 11 children with Ethel, and his continued influence on American political thought and activism. Ethel, as a widow, has been committed to keeping his memory alive through charitable work and public speaking.
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