Two years after the passing of Ethel Kennedy, her daughter Kerry Kennedy is revisiting the family matriarch’s remarkable life, personal tragedies, and lifelong commitment to human rights in a new biographical work. Titled Ethel Kennedy: The Extraordinary Life and Bold Legacy, the book offers an intimate look at a woman who stood at the center of American political history for decades.
In recent interviews with PBS NewsHour and CBS News, Kerry described her mother as extraordinarily chic, fun, funny, and fully alive. The publication explores the private experiences and public trials that shaped Ethel’s journey, tracing her path from an Irish neighborhood in Chicago to a wealthy upbringing in Greenwich, Connecticut, and eventually into the whirlwind of national public service alongside her husband, Senator Robert F. Kennedy.
A Love Story Marked by Public Triumph and Tragedy
Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy married in 1950, beginning a partnership that yielded 11 children and placed them at the forefront of American public affairs. Their early years involved bustling family life across properties in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, and the Hickory Hill estate in Virginia, where presidents, politicians, and civil rights leaders frequently crossed paths.
However, that life was repeatedly tested by historic tragedies. Following the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy, and the subsequent 1968 assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy-which occurred while Ethel was pregnant with their eleventh child, Rory-the family faced profound grief. Despite holding her mortally wounded husband in her arms, Ethel refused to succumb to despair.
Instead, she quickly organized logistics to bring her children home and forged ahead with unwavering determination. As Kerry noted in her interviews, fear and self-pity were never part of her mother’s vocabulary. Ethel channeled her energy into raising her children and establishing what is now known as the Robert and Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center, dedicating the rest of her life to fighting oppression globally.
Enduring Sorrows and Modern Political Realities
Ethel’s life continued to face private and public heartaches, including the tragic deaths of two of her sons, David in 1984 and Michael in 1997. Yet, she maintained an outlook rooted in deep religious faith, daily prayer, and an enduring sense of gratitude, frequently remarking in her later years, “Aren’t we lucky?” She passed away on October 10, 2024, at the age of 96, having received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2014.
In her book promotions and media appearances, Kerry also addressed the complexities of contemporary politics, including her public disagreements with her brother, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., regarding vaccine policies and his alignment with Donald Trump. Emphasizing that her family always prioritizes love even through deep political divides, Kerry drew a parallel to how her mother navigated fierce ideological differences with grace and personal warmth throughout her long life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the title of Kerry Kennedy’s book about her mother?
The book is titled Ethel Kennedy: The Extraordinary Life and Bold Legacy, published by HarperOne.
When did Ethel Kennedy pass away?
Ethel Kennedy passed away on October 10, 2024, at the age of 96.
How many children did Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy have?
The couple had 11 children together, with Ethel spending a total of 99 months pregnant over the course of their marriage.
What organization did Ethel Kennedy found?
After the assassination of her husband in 1968, she founded the organization now known as the Robert and Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center to continue his work in social justice.
Who co-wrote the biography with Kerry Kennedy?
The book was co-written with author Maryanne Vollers and features personal memories, family accounts, and Ethel’s private papers.
