Ethel Kennedy Suffers Stroke, Congressman Joe Kennedy III Of Massachusetts Reveals

Ethel Kennedy, the widow of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, suffered a stroke Oct. 3, her grandson revealed Tuesday.

The 96-year-old sister-in-law of former President John F. Kennedy was hospitalized after she had a stroke in her sleep, former Democratic Rep. Joe Kennedy III of Massachusetts wrote on Twitter.

Sharing some news about one of my heroes. pic.twitter.com/kcSqSNfabC

— Joe Kennedy III (@joekennedy) October 8, 2024

“Unfortunately, on Thursday morning she suffered a stroke in her sleep. She was brought to an area hospital, where she is now receiving treatment,” her grandson wrote.

The Kennedy family is keeping the 96-year-old company as she remains comfortable while receiving treatment in the hospital, her grandson said.

“She is, as you may know, a strong woman who has led a remarkably fulfilling life,” he wrote. “We are here looking after her.”

Ethel, whose husband was assassinated in 1968 after he won the California Democratic presidential primary, is said to have enjoyed a summer full of family, food and fun prior to her stroke. (RELATED: RFK Jr. Announces He Will ‘Actively’ Campaign With Donald Trump, Says Other Democrats Will Join The Team)

BREAKING NEWS: Ethel Kennedy, 96, suffered a stroke in her sleep this past Thursday. Widow of Senator Robert F Kennedy, mother of 11 children, Ethel Skakel Kennedy is only one of two surviving spouses of the original “Kennedy Nine”; the other is Joan Kennedy, 88. pic.twitter.com/8AxgmX2hhX

— vbspurs (@vbspurs) October 9, 2024

“She has had a great summer and transition into fall,” her grandson wrote. “Every day she enjoyed time with her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was able to get out on the water, visit the pier, and enjoy many lunches and dinners with family. It had been a gift to all of us and her as well.”

The elder Kennedy’s grandson asked that those reading keep the 96-year-old in their prayers.

Ethel Kennedy (now 96 and hospitalized after suffering a major stroke) is the last living survivor of Camelot.

One of my favorite pics of Ethel, taking a selfie with brother-in-law, Sen. John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy in 1954 — the year Ethel’s son Bobby Jr. was born. pic.twitter.com/LaNiaCbIHw

— Lori Spencer (@RealLoriSpencer) October 8, 2024

Ethel Kennedy married Robert F. Kennedy on June 17, 1950, after campaigning for his brother’s congressional bid in 1946, according to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum’s official website.

Both of Ethel Kennedy’s parents were killed in 1955 when their personal airplane tragically crashed, the JFK Library’s official website states.

WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 21: Ethel Kennedy attends the 30th Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Awards Ceremony, in the Russell Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill, November 21, 2013 in Washington, DC. Ragia Omran, Egyptian human rights attorney and women’s rights activist, was selected for the award in June out of a field of 111 nominees. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 11: (L-R) Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Ethel Kennedy, President of RFK Center Kerry Kennedy, and Mariah Kennedy Cuomo attend Robert F. Kennedy Center For Justice And Human Rights 2013 Ripple Of Hope Awards Dinner at New York Hilton Midtown on December 11, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images for Robert F. Kennedy Center For Justice And Human Rights)

Following the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy in 1963, Ethel Kennedy supported her husband’s political endeavors as he was elected for a New York Senate seat and running for president. She gave birth to their 11th child after her husband was assassinated, according to the JFK Library and Museum.

Ethel Kennedy went on to become the founder of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Centre. She also co-chairs the Coalition of Gun Control and has won Human Rights Awards and Journalism Awards.