Robert F. Kennedy Jr. used social media on Thursday evening to pay tribute to his mother, Ethel Kennedy, who passed away at 96. “She passed peacefully into Heaven this morning, surrounded by many of her nine surviving children and friends in Boston,” wrote RFK Jr. on X.
His heartfelt message garnered nearly 100,000 likes by Thursday evening. Ethel Kennedy had 11 children with her late husband, Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968. She was pregnant with their 11th child, Rory, at the time of his death.
“God blessed her with 34 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and the energy to give them all the attention they needed. Despite her decline in recent months, she never lost her sense of fun, humor, or spark. For 56 years, she longed to reunite with her beloved husband,” RFK Jr. wrote.
My mom, Ethel Skakel Kennedy, passed peacefully into Heaven this morning. She was 96. She died in Boston surrounded by many of her nine surviving children and her friends. God gave her 34 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and the energy to give them all the attention they… pic.twitter.com/X6yr1yZ5DK
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) October 10, 2024
Ethel founded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization shortly after her husband’s death in 1968. “She is now with him, my brothers David and Michael, her parents, six siblings, and ‘adopted’ Kennedy siblings Jack, Kick, Joe, Teddy, Eunice, Jean, Rosemary, and Patricia,” her son continued. “From the day she met my father, her new family noted she was ‘more Kennedy than the Kennedys.’”
Ethel Kennedy was dedicated to supporting Democrat politicians and political causes throughout her life. In 2014, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. “My mother invented tough love and could be hard on us when we didn’t meet her expectations. But she was intensely loyal and always stood by us when we were under attack,” Kennedy wrote.
RFK Jr. concluded his tribute by saying, “I credit her for all my virtues and am grateful for her generosity in overlooking my faults.” He also mentioned that his family has not fully supported his recent endorsement of former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Ethel Kennedy suffered a stroke on October 3 and was hospitalised prior to her passing, according to her family.
What Other Media Are Saying
- CBS News reports Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy, dies at 96 after a stroke, leaving a legacy as a human rights advocate and dedicated mother of 11.(read more)
- NBC News reports Ethel Kennedy, matriarch of the Kennedy family, dies at 96, highlighting her resilience and dedication to social justice despite personal tragedies and losses.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
How did Ethel Kennedy pass away?
She passed peacefully in Boston, surrounded by family and friends.
How many children did Ethel Kennedy have?
Ethel Kennedy had 11 children.
What did Ethel Kennedy found after her husband’s death?
She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization.
What award did Ethel Kennedy receive in 2014?
President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
What recent political stance has RFK Jr. taken that his family does not fully support?
RFK Jr. recently endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 election.
