50 Facts About Ethel Kennedy

Early Life and Family Background

Ethel Kennedy's life began in a bustling city and transitioned to a serene suburban setting. Her upbringing played a significant role in shaping her values and future endeavors.

1. Birth and Family Background: Ethel Skakel Kennedy was born on April 11, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, to George and Ann Brannack Skakel. Her father, George, started as a railroad clerk and later became a successful coal magnate, bringing wealth to the Skakel family.
2. Early Life: Ethel was the sixth of seven children. In 1934, the family moved to Greenwich, Connecticut, settling into a large English country manor house on Lake Avenue.
3. Education: Ethel attended Greenwich Academy and later the Convent of the Sacred Heart in the Bronx. She then studied at Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart, where she met Jean Kennedy, a sister of John F. Kennedy.

Meeting and Marrying Robert F. Kennedy

Ethel's life took a significant turn when she met Robert F. Kennedy. Their relationship blossomed into a marriage that would unite two powerful families.

4. Meeting Robert F. Kennedy: Ethel first met Robert F. Kennedy during a ski trip to Mont Tremblant Resort in Quebec in December 1945. At the time, Robert was dating Ethel's older sister Patricia, but after that relationship ended, he began dating Ethel.
5. College Thesis: Ethel wrote her college thesis on John F. Kennedy's book "Why England Slept," a foreign-policy rebuttal to Winston Churchill’s explanation of England’s slow reaction to the rise of Germany in the 1930s.
6. Marriage to Robert F. Kennedy: Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy became engaged in February 1950 and married on June 17, 1950, at the Catholic St. Mary Church in Greenwich. The marriage united two large fortunes.

Family Life and Hickory Hill

The Kennedy family grew rapidly, and their home became a hub of activity and political discourse.

7. Family Life: The couple had eleven children: Kathleen, Joseph II, Robert, David, Mary, Michael, Christopher, Matthew, Douglas, Rory, and Conor. Their family life was marked by both joy and tragedy, including the deaths of two of their children, David and Michael.
8. Hickory Hill: The family lived in a sprawling 13-bedroom home in McLean, Virginia, known as Hickory Hill. This mansion became a legendary gathering place for politicians, musicians, actors, and actresses.

Political Involvement and Advocacy

Ethel Kennedy was deeply involved in politics, supporting her husband and brother-in-law in their political careers.

9. Political Involvement: Ethel was heavily involved in politics from the early days of her marriage. She campaigned for John F. Kennedy during his 1946 congressional campaign and helped organize "tea parties" for potential voters.
10. Support for John F. Kennedy: Ethel supported her brother-in-law John F. Kennedy throughout his political career, including his presidential campaign in 1960. She also helped organize events and rallies for his campaign.
11. Role in the Kennedy Administration: When John F. Kennedy became president, Robert F. Kennedy was appointed Attorney General. Ethel and Robert toured fourteen countries within a 28-day goodwill trip, serving as stand-ins for the President and First Lady.

Tragedy and Resilience

The Kennedy family faced numerous tragedies, but Ethel's resilience shone through during these difficult times.

12. Assassination of John F. Kennedy: On November 22, 1963, Ethel learned of her brother-in-law's assassination from her husband. She was devastated by the news and worried for her niece and nephew, Caroline and John Jr.
13. Support for Robert F. Kennedy: After John F. Kennedy's assassination, Ethel supported her husband while he campaigned for and won a seat in the U.S. Senate representing New York. She also urged him to enter the Democratic primary for the 1968 presidential election.

Founding the Robert F. Kennedy Center

Ethel's dedication to her husband's legacy led to the creation of an organization that continues to promote social justice and human rights.

14. Founding of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights: Shortly after Robert F. Kennedy's assassination in 1968, Ethel founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. The center aims to continue Robert's work in promoting social justice and human rights.

Awards and Recognition

Ethel Kennedy's contributions to society have been recognized through numerous awards and accolades.

15. Presidential Medal of Freedom: In 2014, Ethel Kennedy was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama for her dedication to advancing social justice, human rights, environmental protection, and poverty reduction.

Activism and Advocacy

Ethel's passion for social causes has driven her to support various initiatives and organizations.

16. Activism and Advocacy: Ethel has been a passionate advocate for various social causes, including human rights, environmental issues, and education. She is the co-founder of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights and has been involved with other human rights organizations.
17. Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Project: In the late 1970s, Ethel focused much of her time and energy on the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Project, a community development initiative aimed at improving living conditions in urban areas.

Public Appearances and Media

Ethel Kennedy has made several public appearances and has been featured in various media outlets, sharing her story and insights.

18. Cameo Appearance in Cheers: In 1992, Ethel and her son Michael made a cameo appearance on the NBC sitcom "Cheers" in Boston.
19. Endorsement of Barack Obama: During the 2008 Democratic Party presidential primaries, Ethel endorsed Barack Obama and hosted a $6-million fundraising dinner for him at Hickory Hill.
20. Documentary About Her Life: In 2012, Ethel appeared in a documentary about her life, directed by her youngest child, Rory. The documentary, entitled "Ethel," covers her early political involvement, her life with Robert F. Kennedy, and the years following his death when she raised eleven children on her own.

Current Life and Health

Despite her age, Ethel Kennedy remains active and continues to inspire others with her resilience and dedication.

21. Residence: As of 2019, Ethel resides at the Kennedy Compound in Massachusetts. She is a practicing Catholic who often attends mass.
22. Hospitalization: On October 3, 2024, Ethel was hospitalized after suffering a stroke.

Family Tragedies and Legacy

Ethel Kennedy has faced numerous family tragedies but has remained a pillar of strength for her family and community.

23. Family Tragedies: Ethel has endured several family tragedies, including the death of her son David in 1984 from a drug overdose and the death of her son Michael in 1997 from a skiing accident.
24. Never Remarried: Ethel has never remarried, citing her religion as one reason for why she has remained single.
25. Legacy: Ethel's legacy is not only tied to her husband and family but also to her unwavering commitment to social justice. She has received numerous accolades for her work and continues to be a prominent figure in discussions about civil rights and humanitarian issues.

Philanthropy and Social Causes

Ethel Kennedy's philanthropic efforts have made a lasting impact on various social causes and communities.

26. Public Image: As a member of the Kennedy family, Ethel has often been in the public eye. She is known for her grace and poise, and her philanthropic efforts have garnered significant media attention.
27. Philanthropic Work: Ethel has been involved in various charitable initiatives throughout her life, including supporting migrant workers, Native American rights, and environmental causes.
28. Gun Control Advocacy: Ethel co-chairs the Coalition of Gun Control and is involved with other human rights organizations, demonstrating her continued commitment to social justice.
29. Human Rights Awards: The Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, founded by Ethel, presents Human Rights Awards to recognize exemplary work by journalists and human rights advocates.
30. Environmental Protection: Ethel has been an advocate for environmental protection, aligning with the causes that were important to her late husband, Robert F. Kennedy.
31. Education Initiatives: She supports education initiatives, recognizing the importance of education in promoting social justice and human rights.
32. Community Service: Ethel’s dedication to community service is evident through her involvement in various projects aimed at improving living conditions and promoting social welfare.

Personal Values and Family Traditions

Ethel Kennedy's personal values and family traditions have played a significant role in shaping her life and legacy.

33. Personal Values: Ethel instills values of compassion and service in her children and grandchildren, reflecting the strong sense of duty to the community that is characteristic of the Kennedy family.
34. Historical Significance: Ethel’s life serves as an inspiration for future generations, highlighting the importance of activism and community service. Her historical significance extends beyond her family ties, as she has made significant contributions to social justice and human rights.
35. Public Appearances: Ethel has appeared in various interviews and documentaries, sharing her insights on family, loss, and the importance of giving back to society.
36. Media Presence: Her philanthropic efforts have garnered significant media attention, making her a prominent figure in public discourse about civil rights and humanitarian issues.
37. Family Traditions: The Kennedy family is known for its strong sense of duty to the community, and Ethel has played a significant role in nurturing these values. Her home at Hickory Hill often serves as a gathering place for family members, fostering a close-knit family environment.

Continued Advocacy and Impact

Ethel Kennedy's continued advocacy and impact on society demonstrate her unwavering commitment to social justice and human rights.

38. Social Causes: Ethel remains active in a number of social causes that were special to her husband, including the rights of migrant workers, Native Americans, and environmental protection.
39. Founding of the Robert F. Kennedy Center: The center aims to continue Robert’s work in promoting social justice and human rights through various initiatives and awards programs.
40. Human Rights Advocacy: Ethel has been a lifelong advocate for human rights, working tirelessly to promote justice and peace around the world.
41. Environmental Advocacy: Her commitment to environmental protection is evident through her support for initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development.
42. Education Advocacy: Ethel believes in the importance of education in promoting social justice and human rights. She supports education initiatives that aim to improve access to quality education for all.
43. Community Development: Her work with the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Project demonstrates her commitment to community development and improving living conditions in urban areas.
44. Gun Control Advocacy: As co-chair of the Coalition of Gun Control, Ethel continues to advocate for stricter gun control laws to reduce violence and promote public safety.
45. Human Rights Awards: The Robert F. Kennedy Center presents Human Rights Awards to recognize exemplary work by journalists and human rights advocates. These awards are a testament to Ethel’s dedication to promoting human rights globally.
46. Philanthropic Efforts: Ethel’s philanthropic efforts have been recognized through various awards and accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her contributions to society have made a lasting impact on social justice and human rights.
47. Family Legacy: Ethel’s family legacy extends beyond her immediate family. Many of her children have followed in the Kennedy family tradition of politics, including Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and Joseph Patrick Kennedy II.
48. Public Service Commitment: Ethel has demonstrated a renewed commitment to public service throughout her life, focusing on various social causes that align with her values and those of her late husband.
49. Media Appearances: Ethel has appeared in numerous media outlets, including documentaries and interviews, sharing her insights on family, loss, and the importance of giving back to society.
50. Enduring Impact: Ethel’s dedication to social justice and human rights continues to inspire future generations. Her enduring impact on society is a testament to the power of activism and community service.

Ethel Kennedy's Enduring Legacy

Ethel Kennedy's life is a testament to resilience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to social justice. From her early days in a wealthy family to her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy, she has faced both triumphs and tragedies. Her work in founding the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights highlights her passion for human rights and social causes. Ethel's advocacy for gun control, environmental protection, and education has left a lasting impact on countless lives. Despite personal losses, including the deaths of her husband and two children, she has remained a pillar of strength. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations to engage in activism and community service. Ethel Kennedy's story is one of courage, compassion, and an enduring commitment to making the world a better place.