Ethel Kennedy Hospitalized After Stroke: Family Provides Update
Ethel Kennedy, the 96-year-old widow of Robert F. Kennedy and a prominent figure in American history, has been hospitalized following a stroke. The news was shared by her daughter, Kerry Kennedy, late Tuesday on social media platform X. According to the family, the stroke occurred Thursday morning while she was asleep; although they did not disclose the name or location of the hospital, they assured the public that she is receiving adequate care.
In a reassuring statement, the family noted, “She is comfortable, she is getting the best care possible and she is surrounded by family.” Ethel has been described as a strong woman who has enjoyed a significantly fulfilling life, particularly over the last summer and into the fall season. They shared that she savored quality time with her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren, participating in activities like boating and enjoying meals together. This familial connection has been a cherished experience for everyone involved.
As the matriarch of one of America’s most storied families, Ethel Kennedy is among the last surviving members of an influential generation that included Presidents John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy. This family has long been synonymous with American political life and social change, often referred to as America’s royal family during the Kennedy era, known as "Camelot."
Ethel’s life has been marked by both personal tragedy and social activism. She was present when her husband, Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated on June 5, 1968. Just five years earlier, she had faced her brother-in-law John F. Kennedy’s assassination, events that would shape her life and activism in the years to come. Following Robert’s death, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, which focuses on advancing human rights through litigation, advocacy, and education. This nonprofit organization honors those who make significant contributions to human rights by presenting annual awards to journalists, authors, and activists.
In addition to her work at the RFK Center, Ethel has been a longtime advocate for various causes such as gun control, Special Olympics, and environmental conservation efforts. Her commitment to social justice remained strong well into her 90s, as she demonstrated during a 2016 rally advocating for increased pay for Florida’s farmworkers and a 2018 hunger strike protesting the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
Despite facing health challenges, Ethel Kennedy’s resilience and dedication to her family and causes have been unwavering. Dividing her time between homes in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, and Palm Beach, Florida, she has managed to maintain an active lifestyle that reflects her unstoppable spirit.
The Kennedy family has expressed gratitude for the care Ethel is receiving and the support they have received during this difficult time. As the nation watches and waits, fans and followers of the Kennedy legacy are hopeful for her recovery.
