Influential RFK Human Rights Leader and Advocate Ethel Kennedy Dies at 96

People in black holding white roses in a line.

Ethel Kennedy, an unwavering advocate for human rights and social justice, has died at the age of 96, leaving the world wondering how her legacy will inspire future generations.

At a Glance

  • Ethel Kennedy died at 96 from stroke complications.
  • She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.
  • She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.
  • She was the last living link to the Kennedy family’s Camelot era.

A Life of Dedication

Ethel Kennedy’s grandson Joseph P. Kennedy III announced her passing, stating, “It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother, Ethel Kennedy.” Her death marks the end of a remarkable chapter in American history. As a widowed mother raising 11 children, including a child born posthumously following her husband’s assassination in 1968, she embodied resilience and strength beyond measure. Ethel’s activism reflected a commitment to values deeply rooted in her faith and family.

Ethel’s life was intertwined with significant American historical moments, particularly through her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy in 1950 and her subsequent involvement in politics. Known as being “more Kennedy than the Kennedys,” Ethel’s passion for public service often rivaled that of her husband and extended family. Campaigning actively for her husband—even during pregnancy—her actions embodied her unyielding spirit and dedication to the causes she and her husband championed.

Unwavering Commitment to Justice

The Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization, founded by Ethel in 1968, stands as her enduring legacy. Her work earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Barack Obama in 2014, a tribute to her tireless efforts toward equality. Her beliefs were often tested by personal tragedies, including the losses of her husband, two sons, and a granddaughter. Despite these adversities, her devotion to justice never wavered, inspiring family and followers alike to champion their beliefs fearlessly.

“She has had a great summer and transition into fall,” said a family statement. “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.”

Ethel Kennedy passed shortly after her son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., made headlines by ending his independent presidential campaign and endorsing Donald Trump, a decision highlighting the complex dynamics within the Kennedy lineage. Known for its traditional Democratic Party alignment, the family’s interactions personify a spectrum of evolving political stances, often publicized yet navigated privately.

Legacy of Faith and Family

Ethel Kennedy’s impact extended beyond her formidable role as a matriarch. Described by her niece Maria Shriver as “fearless, funny, and deeply devoted to her family and country,” Ethel molded her lineage with her Catholic faith as her foundation. Her influence can be seen in her nonprofit center’s continued efforts to forward human rights, signifying her lasting mark on society.

“One wonders how much this family must be expected to absorb,” remarked family friend Philip Johnson after Michael Kennedy’s death. Her journey epitomized both privilege and tragedy, entwined in the commonly cited “Kennedy Curse.” Yet, her resolute spirit remains crucial to understanding her and the Kennedy family’s emblematic strength.

Her parting leaves a void echoing the end of an era within American heritage. Through her contributions to society and family alike, Ethel Kennedy’s memory will continue to serve as a beacon of resilience and dedication.

Sources

1. ‘Our amazing grandmother’: Family mourns loss of Ethel Kennedy, widow of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy

2. Ethel Kennedy, social activist and widow of Robert F. Kennedy, dies at age 96

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