Ethel Kennedy, a pillar of the Kennedy political dynasty, passed at the age of 96. Her grandson, former Massachusetts Rep. Joe Kennedy III announced her passing early Oct. tenth, Thursday morning. E. Kennedy was hospitalized after suffering a stroke last week. 

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After campaigning for John F. Kennedy in his 1946 Congressional campaign, she married into the Kennedys; in 1950, Ethel Skakel married R. F. Kennedy, JFK’s younger brother. 

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Following her marriage into one of the most influential families in the United States, E. Kennedy supported her husband in his successful Senate campaign and 1968 Presidential campaign. 

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R.F. Kennedy was assassinated shortly after winning the California Democratic Primary. 

E. Kennedy never remarried, committing her life to raising her 11 children. 

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Ethel Kennedy attends a fundraiser at the El Corso nightclub in New York City on May 1, 1975 | Photo Courtesy WWD 

 

Following her husband’s tragic death, E. Kennedy founded the nonprofit organization Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights in Oct. 1968.  

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 Her activism rose to prominence, taking her efforts both across the country and around the world. She marched with Cesar Chavez in support of the United Farm Workers movement.

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She remained a figure in politics throughout her life, giving endorsements to presidential candidates, such as President Barack Obama. 

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In 2014, E. Kennedy received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her efforts in human rights advocacy. 

E. Kennedy continued to be active in advocacy following her award. During  the late 2010’s E. Kennedy participate through the Coalition of Gun Control, the Earth Conservation Corps, and Special Olympics. Furthermore, in 2018 E. Kennedy joined a hunger strike to protest the separation of families at the US-Mexico border. 

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After her passing on Thursday, President Joe Biden made a formal statement, honoring the matriarch’s passing.

“American icon — a matriarch of optimism and moral courage, an emblem of resilience and service. Devoted to family and country, she had a spine of steel and a heart of gold that inspired millions of Americans, including me and Jill. We were blessed to call her a dear friend,” Biden said. 

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E. Kennedy is succeeded by her surviving nine children, 32 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and her long-lasting legacy. 

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Her family gathered on Oct. 14, to celebrate her life and successes. They were joined by three presidents, President Biden, former President Barack Obama, and  former President Bill Clinton, as well as former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.