RFK’s Widow, Ethel Kennedy, Dies at 96 as Tributes Flood In

Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy and a towering figure in the Kennedy family, passed away Thursday at the age of 96 after suffering a stroke. Known for her devotion to family and tireless work for social justice, Ethel’s passing marks the end of an era for one of America’s most iconic families.

The announcement came from former Rep. Joe Kennedy (D-MA), who shared the news on X: “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.”

Ethel Kennedy leaves behind a vast family: nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren. Her death follows that of her beloved husband, Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968, as well as several other close family members. She was a devout Catholic, and her family takes comfort in the belief that she is now reunited with her late husband and many others she loved dearly.

• An Iconic Family Figure: Ethel Kennedy was not only the mother of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., but also a matriarch whose influence spanned generations, with her family deeply involved in American politics and philanthropy.

• A Lifetime of Activism: After RFK’s assassination, Ethel carried on many of his causes, founding the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization to advance justice and human rights globally.

• A Legacy of Faith: A daily communicant, Ethel’s deep Catholic faith was the bedrock of her resilience through tragedy. She set a powerful example of grace under pressure, particularly during some of her family’s most difficult times.

Tributes have poured in from across the country. Cheryl Hines, wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., remembered her mother-in-law with affection. “Her charisma, wisdom, and strength will live on with me in every memory of her. Bobby and I spent many warm nights in Hyannis Port having dinner with her and hearing stories from her extraordinary life. She will be missed,” Hines shared.

Maria Shriver also offered a touching tribute, recalling her aunt’s fearless personality and athleticism: “She was a woman of deep faith. When it got tough, and there were a lot of tough times, she dug in. She relied on her faith like my own mother. What lives, what examples.”

Despite these heartfelt tributes, some in the media have used this moment to take cheap shots at her son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for his recent political choices. The New York Times, for instance, wasted no time in mentioning RFK Jr.’s decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race and endorse Donald Trump, focusing more on family divisions than Ethel’s remarkable legacy.

Ethel’s dedication to her husband’s vision never wavered. In 2014, former President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, honoring her life’s work in advancing human rights, just as RFK had aimed to do during his time. Ethel Kennedy will be remembered as a woman who embodied both strength and grace, holding her family together through the triumphs and tragedies that defined their lives.

Her legacy of faith, family, and tireless advocacy will continue through the Kennedy clan, a family whose impact on American society remains profound. As her loved ones mourn her passing, they will carry forward the values and causes she championed throughout her extraordinary life.

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