Kerry kennedy ethel kennedy jacqueline onassis

On 10 October 2026, the Kennedy family announced the passing of Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy and a prominent human rights advocate, at the age of 96. Her daughter, Kerry Kennedy, confirmed the news, noting that her mother had suffered a stroke the previous week. Ethel Kennedy was a central figure in American political history, known for founding the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization and maintaining the family’s legacy following the assassinations of her husband and brother-in-law, John F. Kennedy. Her life was deeply intertwined with the broader Kennedy clan, including her close, albeit complex, relationship with her sister-in-law, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. The two women navigated the immense public scrutiny and personal tragedies that defined the family during the 1960s. As the last surviving member of her generation of the Kennedy inner circle, Ethel’s death marks the end of an era. Tributes have poured in from global leaders, honoring her lifelong commitment to social justice and her resilience in the face of profound personal loss.