Let me tell you about Ethel Kennedy, a woman whose life is a fascinating blend of love, tragedy, and resilience. You might know her as the widow of Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) or as a member of the Kennedy family, one of America’s most famous political dynasties. But beyond that, she’s an extraordinary figure who has quietly shaped history, raised an incredible family, and remained committed to social justice throughout her life.
How It All Began: Ethel and Robert
Ethel Skakel, as she was originally named, grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut, in a wealthy, Catholic family. She met Robert Kennedy when she was in college at Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart. He was the younger brother of John F. Kennedy, and the Kennedy family already had a growing reputation in American politics.
From the start, Ethel and Robert were a team. When they married in 1950, she embraced his ambitions wholeheartedly. Robert F. Kennedy, or RFK as he’s often called, became a key political figure as U.S. Attorney General under his brother John F. Kennedy’s presidency. Together, they fought for civil rights, battled organized crime, and tried to make America a more just place.
Ethel wasn’t just a passive figure in all this—she was by RFK’s side, full of energy and life. Their home was buzzing with activity. Imagine 11 kids running around! Yes, you heard that right—Ethel and Robert had 11 children. Their house in Virginia, Hickory Hill, became legendary for its boisterous, family-oriented vibe, where political heavyweights mingled with kids, dogs, and more than a few impromptu football games.
The Assassination of John F. Kennedy
As close as Ethel was to her husband, she was also close to his older brother, President John F. Kennedy. The Kennedys were a tight-knit clan, and Ethel was very much part of that. When John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963, it devastated her, but it also propelled Robert Kennedy into an even more prominent role. Many looked to RFK as the natural successor to his brother, someone who could carry on JFK’s legacy.
Despite the unimaginable grief, Ethel stood strong, supporting her husband as he took on new challenges. RFK’s fight for civil rights and his criticism of the Vietnam War resonated with many Americans. And through it all, Ethel was by his side, sharing his passion for social justice and his desire to improve the world.
Another Tragedy: The Loss of Robert F. Kennedy
Just when it seemed like the Kennedy family might be on the path to healing, another tragic event struck. In 1968, while campaigning for the presidency, Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in Los Angeles. Ethel, pregnant with their 11th child, Rory, was again forced to endure unimaginable loss.
Her resilience in the face of this tragedy is remarkable. Can you imagine losing not just your brother-in-law, but your husband, all within a few short years? And all the while, she had to keep going, raising her children and continuing the work they had begun together.
The Kennedy Children: Carrying the Legacy
Despite all this hardship, Ethel raised her 11 children with a sense of duty and purpose. And you know what? Many of them went on to do incredible things, each carrying the Kennedy torch in their own way.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., or RFK Jr., is probably the most famous of the bunch. He’s an environmental lawyer and activist who has spent his career fighting to protect natural resources. He’s been a bit controversial at times, particularly for his stance on vaccine safety, but no one can deny his passion for the causes he believes in. That drive, that desire to make the world better, clearly runs in the family.
Another of Ethel’s children, Rory Kennedy, is an acclaimed documentary filmmaker. Her work often tackles social justice issues, showing the kind of commitment to making a difference that she inherited from her parents. One of her most well-known documentaries, Last Days in Vietnam, was even nominated for an Academy Award.
Then there’s Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, who went into politics like her father. She served as the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland and has been a strong advocate for issues like education and public safety. The Kennedy family isn’t just about one person or one generation—they keep pushing forward, and that’s largely due to Ethel’s influence.
Tragedy Strikes Again: The Loss of Saoirse Kennedy Hill
One of the things that makes Ethel’s story so poignant is that the tragedies didn’t stop with the loss of RFK. In 2019, her granddaughter, Saoirse Kennedy Hill, died of an accidental drug overdose. Saoirse was just 22 years old and had struggled with mental health issues, which she bravely spoke about publicly.
This was another heartbreaking loss for the Kennedy family, and for Ethel in particular. At the time, she was in her 90s, having already lived through more grief than most of us can imagine. But even in the face of this fresh sorrow, Ethel remained a symbol of strength for her family.
The Resilience of Ethel Kennedy
If there’s one thing you take away from learning about Ethel Kennedy, it’s her incredible resilience. Time and time again, she’s been hit with tragedy, but she’s never let it break her. She’s lived through the assassinations of her brother-in-law John F. Kennedy, her husband Robert F. Kennedy, and the untimely deaths of her son David Kennedy and granddaughter Saoirse. And yet, she’s carried on.
In addition to her family, Ethel has dedicated her life to continuing Robert F. Kennedy’s work. She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial, now called Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, an organization that fights for human rights around the globe. Even in her 90s, she’s remained committed to social justice, inspiring her children and grandchildren to follow in her footsteps.
The Kennedy Family: A Legacy of Public Service
It’s impossible to talk about Ethel Kennedy without mentioning the broader Kennedy family. She’s been a key figure in one of the most well-known and influential families in American history. The Kennedys are often called “America’s Royal Family,” but they aren’t just about privilege and wealth. They’re about public service—about making a difference.
From John F. Kennedy’s presidency to Robert F. Kennedy’s fight for civil rights and beyond, the Kennedys have always been dedicated to leaving the world better than they found it. Ethel played a huge role in shaping that legacy, both as Robert’s wife and as the matriarch of the next generation.
Her sister-in-law, Maria Shriver, has also been a prominent figure, working as a journalist and advocate. The women of the Kennedy family, like Ethel and Maria, have played pivotal roles behind the scenes, ensuring that the men in the spotlight had strong support systems. They’ve also done incredible work in their own right.
Why Ethel Kennedy’s Story Matters
Ethel Kennedy’s story is about much more than just being married to a famous man. It’s about resilience, family, and a deep commitment to justice. She’s quietly shaped American history by supporting Robert F. Kennedy’s political career, raising a family that continues to make a difference, and dedicating herself to human rights causes.
Her life has been filled with both love and loss, joy and heartache, but through it all, she’s remained a pillar of strength. The Kennedy name is synonymous with service, and that’s due in large part to the influence of Ethel Kennedy. Her story reminds us that even in the face of immense tragedy, it’s possible to keep fighting for what’s right, to keep moving forward, and to inspire others to do the same.
So, when you think about the Kennedys and their lasting impact on American life, remember Ethel—the matriarch who held it all together, through thick and thin.
