Ethel Kennedy, the widow of former Democratic attorney general and senator Robert F Kennedy, died Thursday at the age of 96.
Her death was announced by her grandson Joe Kennedy III in a post on X on Thursday.
“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,” he wrote.
“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,” the former Democratic Massachusetts congressman wrote in his statement.
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. Along with a lifetime’s work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind…
— Joe Kennedy III (@joekennedy) October 10, 2024
The famous matriarch of the Kennedy family left behind her own legacy of human rights work, and will forever be remembered for her dedication and contributions to the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Centre. She was a co-chair of the Coalition of Gun Control and won a Presidential Medal of Freedom. She also founded the organization Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights.
News of her death was reported just days after the family announced Kennedy had suffered a stroke. The family assured the press she was “comfortable” in a hospital at the time.
Joe Kennedy went on to pay tribute to his grandmother by writing, “she was a devout Catholic and a daily communicant, and we are comforted in knowing she is reunited with the love of her life, our father, Robert F. Kennedy; her children David and Michael; her daughter-in-law Mary; her grandchildren Maeve and Saoirse; and her great-grandchildren Gideon and Josie.” (RELATED: Ethel Kennedy Suffers Stroke, Congressman Joe Kennedy III Of Massachusetts Reveals)
Sharing some news about one of my heroes. pic.twitter.com/kcSqSNfabC
— Joe Kennedy III (@joekennedy) October 8, 2024
Social media has erupted with words of condolence and shared grief as political figures, loved ones and fans across the globe say their final farewells, and honor the legacy Kennedy left behind.
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