Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F Kennedy and a stalwart advocate for human rights, passed away at the age of 96 on Wednesday, according to her family. A matriarch of the renowned Kennedy political dynasty, Ethel Kennedy died after suffering a stroke a week prior.
Her grandson, Joe Kennedy, shared the news in an online statement, describing her as “our amazing grandmother.”
Ethel Kennedy, born in 1928, was a devout Catholic and remained a significant figure in American public life long after the tragic assassinations of both her husband, Robert F Kennedy, in 1968, and her brother-in-law, President John F Kennedy, five years earlier.
The Kennedy family released a statement honouring her legacy: “It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother, Ethel Kennedy. Along with a lifetime’s work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, all of whom love her dearly.”
Her legacy includes founding the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights foundation shortly after her husband’s assassination, while pregnant with their 11th child. The organisation is committed to advancing human rights through litigation and activism, becoming a powerful voice for justice.
The foundation shared its own tribute, acknowledging her as “a champion for justice, standing with human rights defenders around the globe” and recognising her “tremendously impactful life.” They concluded their message by saying, “May she rest in eternal peace.”
Ethel Kennedy’s devotion to human rights, combined with her resilience through personal tragedies, made her a powerful and lasting force in both political and humanitarian circles. She is remembered for her unwavering commitment to social justice and her vast contributions to the Kennedy family’s ongoing legacy.
Follow us on:
