Ethel Kennedy, Human Rights Advocate, Dies at 96

Ethel Skakel Kennedy, widow of former U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and an ardent advocate for human rights, passed away on Thursday at the age of 96, her family confirmed. Her grandson, former Massachusetts Representative Joe Kennedy III, announced her death on social media platform X.

“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,” Joe Kennedy III stated. “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.”

Ethel Kennedy was married to Robert F. Kennedy, a prominent figure in American politics, who was assassinated in 1968 during his presidential campaign. His death came five years after his brother, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated, leaving a profound impact on the nation and the Kennedy family.

Throughout her life, Ethel Kennedy was not only a witness to historical events but also a participant in activism and philanthropy. She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization, which aimed to further the causes championed by her late husband, focusing on human rights and environmental issues.

Her activism led her to undertake numerous initiatives, including supporting the Farm Workers movement and confronting Kenyan dictator Daniel Arap Moi alongside her daughter, Kerry Kennedy. Her dedication was recognized nationally when she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2014.

Ethel Kennedy’s later years also saw her engaging in political discourse, particularly when her eldest son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., launched a controversial presidential bid as an independent in 2024, separating from the Democratic Party—a move that was met with family dissension.

Born in 1928 to a large family in Chicago, Ethel Kennedy was raised in Greenwich, Connecticut. She met Robert F. Kennedy in 1945 and married him in 1950, having eleven children together. Throughout her life, she faced personal tragedies, including the loss of family members in accidents and health-related incidents.

This report includes contributions from CNN’s Paul LeBlanc and Tom Foreman, providing additional context on Ethel Kennedy’s life and legacy.