Ethel Kennedy Dead at Age 96: Cause of Death

Ethel Kennedy has died at age 96. The passing of Robert F. Kennedy Sr.’s widow comes days after news broke that she had suffered a stroke.

“It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our amazing grandmother, Ethel Kennedy,” Joe Kennedy III shared via X on Thursday, October 10. “She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week.”

He added: “Along with a lifetime’s work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly.”

Joe, 44, wrote that the family is “comforted in knowing” that she and Robert had been “reunited.”

“Please keep her in your hearts and prayers,” the statement concluded.

Ethel’s daughter Kerry Kennedy revealed on Tuesday, October 8, that her mother had been taken to the hospital days prior after suffering a stroke “in her sleep.”

“I wanted to let you know about my incredible mother,” Kerry, 65, announced before offering an update on her mother’s health. “She has had a great summer and transition into fall. Every day she enjoyed time with her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.”

Ethel enjoyed time “out on the water,” visited the pier and had “many” family dinners, Kerry recalled.

“It has been a gift to all of us and to her as well,” she continued, noting that Ethel was “getting the best care possible” following her stroke. “She is, as you may know, a strong woman who has led a remarkably fulfilling life. We are here looking after her.”

Prior to her death, Ethel was the oldest living member of the Kennedy family. She and the late Robert Sr. — who was assassinated during his presidential run in June 1968 — shared 11 children, including Kerry, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Joseph P. Kennedy II, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the late Michael LeMoyne Kennedy, Christopher G. Kennedy, Max Kennedy, Douglas Harriman Kennedy and Rory Kennedy.

Following her husband’s death, Ethel continued her life in the public eye. She served as a human rights activist, founding the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. In 2014, the Benning Road Bridge in Washington, D.C. was renamed the Ethel Kennedy Bridge as a way to honor her environmental work.

Ethel’s life was chronicled in a 2012 HBO documentary, aptly titled Ethel, which was directed by her daughter Rory.