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Politics & World • US Politics

Ethel Kennedy

Ethel Kennedy was an American human rights advocate and philanthropist, best known as the widow of U.S.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ethel Kennedy was an American human rights advocate and philanthropist, best known as the widow of U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy. She devoted much of her life to social justice causes and to preserving the Kennedy family legacy. Born Ethel Skakel in Chicago, she died in 2024 at age 96.

Early life and family

Ethel Kennedy was born into the Skakel family in Chicago on April 11, 1928, and was raised in an affluent background. She later became part of the Kennedy family through her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy.

Marriage to Robert F. Kennedy

She married Robert F. Kennedy in 1950. Their marriage lasted until his assassination in 1968, after which she focused on raising their 11 children and preserving his legacy.

Advocacy and public life

Kennedy became known for human rights and social justice work. She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights after her husband's death and supported related advocacy efforts.

Later life and recognition

Kennedy remained a public figure within the Kennedy family and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014. She died on October 10, 2024, at age 96, following complications from a stroke.

Key facts

  • Born Ethel Skakel in Chicago on April 11, 1928.
  • Married Robert F. Kennedy in 1950 and had 11 children.
  • Founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights after his assassination.
  • Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014.
  • Died on October 10, 2024, at age 96.
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Canadian context

Ethel Kennedy is relevant to Canadian readers primarily through her prominence in North American political history and human rights advocacy, and through the broader international influence of the Kennedy family.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Ethel Kennedy?
Ethel Kennedy was an American human rights advocate and the widow of Robert F. Kennedy.
What was Ethel Kennedy's birth name?
Her birth name was Ethel Skakel.
How many children did Ethel Kennedy have?
She had 11 children with Robert F. Kennedy.
What organization did Ethel Kennedy found?
She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights after Robert F. Kennedy's assassination.
When did Ethel Kennedy die?
She died on October 10, 2024, at age 96.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethel_Kennedy
    Supports: Birth name, birth and death dates, family relationship to Robert F. Kennedy, and general biographical overview.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannicahttps://www.britannica.com/biography/Ethel-Kennedy
    Supports: Birth and death details, advocacy focus, marriage to Robert F. Kennedy, and family details.
  3. The New York Timeshttps://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/10/us/politics/ethel-kennedy-dead.html
    Supports: Death in 2024, age at death, and role in preserving the Kennedy legacy.
  4. Biography.comhttps://www.biography.com/history-culture/ethel-kennedy
    Supports: Marriage, children, founding of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights, and death.
  5. The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/10/ethel-kennedy-dies
    Supports: Death date, age, and summary of her public life and family role.