Ethel Kennedy, wife of Robert F Kennedy, dies at 96

Ethel Kennedy , widow of Senator Robert F Kennedy, passed away at the age of 96 on Thursday. Her family said that she had been hospitalised after suffering a stroke in her sleep on October 3.

Joe Kennedy III, grandson of Ethel Kennedy, announced her death on social media, saying, "She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week."

Ethel Kennedy, who raised 11 children after the assassination of her husband, Robert F Kennedy, was a key figure in maintaining the Kennedy family 's legacy. Her children include Kathleen, Joseph II, Robert Jr, David, Courtney, Michael, Kerry, Christopher, Max, Douglas, and Rory. She was one of the last members of a generation that included former President John F Kennedy.

It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother, Ethel Kennedy. She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week. Along with a lifetime's work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind…

— Joe Kennedy III (@joekennedy) October 10, 2024

It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our mother, Ethel Kennedy. Please keep our mother in your hearts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/bdIQFsC0CS

— Kerry Kennedy (@KerryKennedyRFK) October 10, 2024

Recently, Kennedy enjoyed time with family, spending days with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. A family statement mentioned, "Every day, she enjoyed time with her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It has been a gift to all of us and to her as well."

My aunt, Ethel Kennedy passed this morning. 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. She was a devoted sister-in-law to my mother, a one of a kind aunt to me and my… pic.twitter.com/u5ruoc4vye

— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) October 10, 2024

Ethel Kennedy was born on April 11, 1928, in Chicago and married Robert F Kennedy in 1950. Her life was marked by numerous tragedies, including the assassinations of her husband in 1968 and her brother-in-law, President John F Kennedy, in 1963. Her parents died in a plane crash in 1955, and she lost a brother in 1966. Additionally, her son David died from a drug overdose, and her son Michael died in a skiing accident.

Kennedy was known for her dedication to social causes. She founded the Robert F Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights after her husband's death and advocated for gun control and human rights. Despite her many losses, she remained rooted in her Catholic faith and commitment to family.

In recent years, she endorsed Barack Obama for president in 2008 and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.

Ethel Kennedy is remembered for her enduring strength and contributions to maintaining the Kennedy family's legacy.