Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy and mother of former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is currently receiving treatment in the hospital after suffering a stroke last week, her grandson announced on October 8.
In a post on X, Joe Kennedy III shared: “I wanted to let you know about my incredible grandmother, Ethel Kennedy. She has had a great summer and transition into fall. Every day she enjoyed time with her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was able to get out on the water, visit the pier, and enjoy many lunches and dinners with family. It has been a gift to all of us and to her as well. Unfortunately, on Thursday morning she suffered a stroke in her sleep.”
He added that she was taken to a local hospital, where she is currently receiving care. “She is comfortable, getting the best possible treatment, and surrounded by family,” he continued.
Joe also requested thoughts and prayers for his grandmother, as well as privacy for the family during this time.
Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy, who married in 1950, shared 11 children. Robert F. Kennedy, a former New York senator and U.S. attorney general, was assassinated in 1968 while campaigning for the presidency.
At 96, Ethel Kennedy is a dedicated environmental and human rights activist. She played a key role in founding the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization, which supports the causes championed by her late husband.
In 2014, she was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
