Robert F Kennedy’s Wife, Ethel Kennedy, Passes Away — Cause of Death Revealed
Ethel Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy’s widow, passed away in Boston, surrounded by her loved ones. Her death marks the end of a remarkable life shaped by activism, resilience, and deep devotion to her family.
Ethel’s grandson, Joseph “Joe” Kennedy III, shared the news on Twitter, “She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week.” He noted that she leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.
Joseph described his grandmother as a devout Catholic and daily communicant, finding comfort in the belief that she is now reunited with her late husband, Robert, as well as her sons David and Michael, daughter-in-law, Mary, grandchildren, Maeve and Saoirse, and great-grandchildren, Gideon and Josie.
Joseph’s uncle, Robert Kennedy Jr. also expressed his loss on the same platform, reflecting on his mother’s vibrant spirit despite her recent health decline, “She never lost her sense of fun, her humor, her spark, her spunk, and her joie de vivre.”
Robert Jr. also mentioned that Ethel often spoke about reuniting with her deceased loved ones, “She was never more enthusiastic about the afterlife than when she considered that she would also be reunited with her many dogs, including 16 Irish setters — all conveniently named “Rusty.”
More tributes poured in, celebrating Ethel’s life and legacy. Maria Shriver, her niece, shared a heartfelt message, “What a life she led. What a huge family she created and leaves behind. I’m so glad I was able to laugh with her this summer, to share memories with her.”
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Bill Clinton expressed his and Hillary’s condolences, joining Ethel’s family and people worldwide in honoring her long and meaningful life. He described Ethel as a “fierce fighter for justice and equality, a warm, wonderful woman, a great mother, and a dear friend.”
