Ethel Kennedy, the esteemed widow of Robert F. Kennedy, died on October 10, 2023, at the age of 96. Her family broke the news, announcing her passing resulted from complications related to a stroke suffered just days before. Former congressman Joe Kennedy III conveyed the family's sentiments on social media, stating, "It is with our hearts full of love... our amazing grandmother."
Born Ethel Skakel on April 11, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, she was the sixth of seven children born to businessman George Skakel. At just five years old, Ethel's family moved to Greenwich, Connecticut, where their wealth afforded them the luxury of lakefront living. She grew up athletic, competitive, and fiercely independent, traits she would carry throughout her life.
Ethel encountered her future husband, then-Senator Robert F. Kennedy, at the tender age of 17 through her college roommate, Jean Kennedy. Their delightful introduction came about on a ski trip, where the two engaged in playful competition. Bobby was initially dating one of Ethel's sisters, but it didn't take long before he came back around. The couple married on June 17, 1950, embarking on a life filled with both public service and personal tragedy.
Throughout their marriage, Ethel gave birth to 11 children, famously being pregnant for nearly eight and a half years cumulatively. Their oldest child, Kathleen, arrived just one year after their wedding. Ethel’s life took on severe challenges as her exceptional marriage turned to grief when Robert was tragically assassinated on June 5, 1968, during his presidential campaign.
Following Robert's assassination, Ethel faced the overwhelming responsibility of raising her children alone. The family moved to Hickory Hill, the Kennedy compound, which became known for its vibrant gatherings involving political figures, cultural icons, and family friends. Though her life was marked by significant loss, Ethel consistently exhibited grit, resilience, and humor, maintaining her home as lively and filled with love.
During her lifetime, she became deeply embedded as a social and political activist. Ethel dedicated herself to various causes, most notable of which included social justice, environmental conservation, and human rights advocacy. After Robert's death, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, which is renowned for its efforts to promote human rights globally.
Despite enduring the heartache of losing two of her children—David to drug overdose and Michael to a skiing accident—Ethel maintained her faith and commitment to helping others. Her principles were deeply rooted, with her son Bobby Jr. recalling her motto: "The key is acceptance and gratitude. We need to practice wanting what we’ve got, not what we wish we had."
Ethel's advocacy work continued even as she grew older, demonstrating her enduring spirit. At age 90, she participated in a hunger strike to protest the immigration policies of the Trump administration. Her passionate engagement with social issues earned her recognition, culminating with the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Barack Obama in 2014.
Even as Ethel faced public scrutiny as her family encountered various challenges—such as her son's controversial vaccine stance and failed presidential bid—her legacy as matriarch of the Kennedy family stood firm. Critics and supporters alike acknowledged her unwavering commitment to her late husband's ideals and the values of compassion and kindness she instilled in her children.
Her family's complex relationship with the legacy of Robert F. Kennedy also made headlines. Differing opinions emerged during the discussions around the potential parole of her husband's assassin, Sirhan Sirhan. Some of her children expressed strong opposition to the idea, emphasizing the impact of his actions not just on their family but also on the nation.
Though Ethel remained a private figure, her occasional appearances, including her participation in the 2012 HBO documentary "Ethel," provided glimpses of her life. Reflections on her character depicted her as graceful yet deeply affected by her past, particularly during discussions surrounding her husband's assassination.
Ethel's style of parenting was distinct; she was described as practicing "tough love," according to her son Bobby Jr., which sometimes led to clashes, particularly concerning his struggles with drugs after his father’s death. Yet, through the years of hardship and loss, she consistently prioritized the teachings of humanity, standing by her commitment to social activism.
Public addresses and statements commemorated Ethel’s impactful legacy after her passing, with tributes celebrating her lifetime of work and devotion to family and community. Many cited her passion for justice and equality as inspirations for future generations. Ethel's children have often shared reflections on their upbringing and the values instilled by their mother, emphasizing her deep empathy for others.
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s recent controversial remarks about climate control have sparked backlash even among fellow Republicans, illustrating the often polarized political climate today. Still, the unity expressed by members of the Kennedy family during Ethel's memorial resonates deeply, portraying the indelible bond forged through shared love and loss.
With Ethel Kennedy’s passing, the legacy of one of America’s most iconic political families continues to evolve. Many will carry forward her mission for social justice, echoing her belief in the importance of compassion, family, and community service. She leaves behind nine children and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren to carry forth her spirit. Ethel’s influence on both her immediate family and the wider society remains significant, affirming her rightful place among America’s treasured public figures.
Though her time on earth has come to a close, Ethel Kennedy’s legacy is likely to endure. Through her relentless commitment to fighting for the voiceless and advocating for human rights, her contributions have left marks on countless lives. Ethel once said, "The world is not filled with those who don’t care. There are so many who care, but we need to learn how to come together.” This sentiment encapsulates the spirit with which she lived her life, and her family will undoubtedly seek to uphold those values, celebrating their matriarch's enduring impact as they navigate the legacy she leaves behind.
