Ethel Kennedy, a former Democratic attorney general and widow of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, died Thursday at the age of 96.
Her death was announced Thursday by her grandson, Joe Kennedy III, in a post on X.
“It is with loving hearts that we announce the passing of our wonderful grandmother, Ethel Kennedy. She passed away this morning from complications from a stroke she suffered last week,” he wrote.
“Our mother, who spent a lifetime working on social justice and human rights, leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, all of whom are… I love her with all my heart,” the former Massachusetts Democratic congressman wrote. in his statement.
It is with loving hearts that we announce the passing of our wonderful grandmother, Ethel Kennedy. She passed away this morning from complications from a stroke she suffered last week. Our mother left a legacy with a lifelong commitment to social justice and human rights.
— Joe Kennedy III (@joekennedy) October 10, 2024
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 16: Ethel Kennedy attends the 2014 Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Gala held at the New York Hilton on December 16, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
The famous matriarch of the Kennedy family leaves behind her own legacy of human rights activism and will forever be remembered for her dedication and contributions to the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center. She co-chaired the Gun Control Coalition and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. she too established Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Group.
News of her death came days after her family announced Kennedy had suffered a stroke. Her family assured reporters that she was “comfortable” in the hospital at the time.
NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 18: Ethel Kennedy attends the RFK Center Ripple of Hope Awards Dinner held at Pier Sixty on Chelsea Piers on November 18, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Ravkin/Getty Images)
Joe Kennedy went on to pay tribute to his grandmother, writing: her children David and Michael; her daughter-in-law Mary; her grandchildren Maeve and Saoirse; and her great-grandchildren Gideon and Josie. ” (Related: Ethel Kennedy suffered a stroke, Massachusetts Congressman Joe Kennedy III reveals)
I’d like to share some news about one of my heroes. pic.twitter.com/kcSqSNfabC
— Joe Kennedy III (@joekennedy) October 8, 2024
Condolences flooded social media and shared grief as politicians, loved ones and fans around the world said their final farewells and paid tribute to Kennedy’s legacy.
