Joan Bennett Kennedy, the former wife of the late Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy and a longtime figure in American public life, has died at the age of 89. Family representatives confirmed her passing early Tuesday in Boston, where she had been receiving care in recent years.
Born Virginia Joan Bennett in 1936, she became part of one of America’s most prominent political families when she married Ted Kennedy in 1958. The couple shared three children — Kara, Edward Jr., and Patrick — and spent over two decades together before their separation and eventual divorce in 1982.
A Graceful Public Figure Amid Challenges
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Joan Kennedy was known for her elegance, poise, and support of her husband’s political career. She often appeared at campaign events and state functions, standing beside the Massachusetts senator as he rose to national prominence.
Despite her outward composure, Joan faced personal struggles, including health challenges and a long battle with alcoholism. In later years, she became an advocate for sobriety and raised awareness about addiction, drawing from her own experiences.
Life After the Kennedy Era
After her divorce, Joan Kennedy focused on her love for music. A talented pianist, she studied at Manhattanville College and performed at various cultural events. She also wrote a memoir sharing her journey through public life, motherhood, and recovery.
In her later years, she lived a quiet life in Boston, remaining close to her family. Friends and relatives described her as “kind-hearted, resilient, and full of grace.”
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Remembering a Kennedy Legacy
Though her marriage to Ted Kennedy ended decades ago, Joan remained connected to the family’s legacy through her children and grandchildren. Her son, Patrick Kennedy, a former U.S. congressman, spoke about his mother’s strength and compassion in a statement:
“My mother lived her life with dignity and faith. She faced adversity with courage and never lost her love for family, music, and life itself.”
Joan Kennedy’s passing marks the end of an era for one of America’s most storied families — a woman who quietly shaped the Kennedy legacy through grace and perseverance.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced.