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By Jon Jackson and Matthew Impelli
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Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy and a social activist, died on Thursday, according to her family. She was 96.
"It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother," Joe Kennedy III wrote in a post on X (formerly) Twitter. "She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week."
Earlier this week, Kennedy's family announced she had been hospitalized after suffering a stroke.
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Ethel Kennedy was at Robert F. Kennedy's side when he was fatally shot in the kitchen of Los Angeles' Ambassador Hotel on June 5, 1968, moments after securing victory in California's Democratic presidential primary. It was a devastating echo of tragedy for the family, coming less than five years after the assassination of her brother-in-law, President John F. Kennedy, in Dallas.
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In 1968, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, an organization committed to promoting human rights through litigation, advocacy and education. The nonprofit also honors journalists, authors and others with annual awards for significant contributions to human rights. Beyond this work, Kennedy has been actively involved in the Coalition of Gun Control, Special Olympics and the Earth Conservation Corps.
Kerry Kennedy, the daughter of Ethel, also shared a post on social media which said, "It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our mother, Ethel Kennedy. She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week. Along with a lifetime's work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly."
Earlier this week, Kerry Kennedy shared a post about how her mother had suffered a stroke, saying: "She was brought to an area hospital, where she is now receiving treatment. She is comfortable, she is getting the best care possible, and she is surrounded by family. She is, as you know, a strong woman who has led a remarkably fulfilling life."
Ethel Kennedy's parents died in a 1955 plane crash, and her brother was killed in another crash in 1966. Tragedy struck again when her son, David Kennedy, died of a drug overdose, and another son, Michael Kennedy, was killed in a skiing accident. Her nephew, John F. Kennedy Jr., also lost his life in a plane crash. In 2002, another nephew, Michael Skakel, was convicted of murder, though a judge ordered a new trial in 2013, and the Connecticut Supreme Court vacated his conviction in 2018.
Many of her children gained prominence in their own right. Kathleen served as lieutenant governor of Maryland, while Joseph represented Massachusetts in Congress. Courtney married Paul Hill, who had been wrongfully convicted in an IRA bombing case. Kerry became a noted human rights activist and president of the RFK Center, and Christopher ran for governor of Illinois. Max worked as a prosecutor in Philadelphia, and Douglas became a reporter for Fox News Channel.
Her son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., also rose to national prominence, though he diverged from the family's liberal legacy. Initially recognized as an environmental lawyer, he later ran for president as an independent in the 2024 race, though he has since suspended his campaign and endorsed former President Donald Trump.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.
Update 10/10/24 12:45 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to include more information.
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