11 Children, 18 Years: The Unbreakable Legacy Of Bobby Kennedy And Ethel, And Her Powerful Final Act
The enduring saga of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel Kennedy remains one of the most compelling and tragic love stories in American political history. As of December 23, 2025, the narrative of their life together has taken on a profound new dimension following the recent passing of Ethel Kennedy in October 2024 at the age of 96. Her death marks the end of an era, spotlighting not just her 18-year marriage to the Senator, but her remarkable, decades-long second act as a tireless human rights advocate and the matriarch of one of the nation’s most prominent political families.
Their whirlwind romance and subsequent marriage produced a staggering 11 children and placed them at the epicenter of American power during the tumultuous 1950s and 60s. The recent focus on Ethel’s life, including the announcement of an intimate biography by her daughter Kerry Kennedy scheduled for 2026, ensures that the story of Bobby and Ethel—their joy, their tragedy, and their commitment to social justice—will continue to resonate for generations to come.
The Matriarch’s Profile: Ethel Skakel Kennedy (1928–2024)
Ethel Skakel Kennedy was a key figure in the Kennedy dynasty, known for her vibrant personality, unwavering Catholic faith, and fierce dedication to her husband’s political career and, later, her own human rights work. Her life spanned nearly a century, witnessing some of the most dramatic moments in modern American history.
- Full Name: Ethel Skakel Kennedy
- Born: April 11, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois
- Died: October 10, 2024, at age 96, following a stroke.
- Parents: George Skakel and Ann Brannack Skakel
- Education: Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart (now Manhattanville University)
- Spouse: Robert Francis "Bobby" Kennedy (married 1950; assassinated 1968)
- Children: Kathleen, Joseph, Robert Jr., David, Courtney, Michael, Kerry, Christopher, Max, Douglas, and Rory (born after RFK's death) (11 children total).
- Notable Roles: Political activist, human rights advocate, founder of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights (formerly the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights).
- Key Family Relations: Sister-in-law to President John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy.
A Whirlwind Romance and the Rise of a Political Power Couple
The story of Bobby and Ethel began not in the political spotlight, but through a family connection. Ethel was a college roommate of Bobby’s younger sister, Jean Kennedy. They first met while Ethel was attending Manhattanville College and Bobby was studying at Harvard. Their connection was immediate and spirited.
Their wedding took place on June 17, 1950, in Greenwich, Connecticut. It marked the start of an 18-year marriage defined by energy, ambition, and a rapidly expanding family. They quickly became known for their boisterous life at their home, Hickory Hill, in McLean, Virginia, which served as a social and political hub for the Kennedy family and their allies. The atmosphere at Hickory Hill was legendary, filled with impromptu football games, spirited debates, and a constant flow of political and social figures.
Ethel was an active and enthusiastic partner in Bobby’s career, supporting him through his role as Attorney General in his brother’s administration and his pivotal Senate run. She was instrumental in managing his public image and campaigning tirelessly by his side, embodying the supportive political wife while maintaining her own distinct, adventurous personality. Their relationship was a true partnership, with Ethel fully committed to Bobby's every endeavor.
The couple's family grew at an astonishing pace, welcoming 11 children between 1951 and 1968. This large, dynamic family became a symbol of the youthful optimism and vigor of the Kennedy era.
Tragedy and the Founding of a Global Legacy
The assassination of Senator Robert F. Kennedy in June 1968, just after his victory in the California primary and during his campaign for the presidency, was a devastating blow that irrevocably changed Ethel’s life. She was by his side at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles when the shooting occurred. Six months after his death, she gave birth to their 11th child, Rory Kennedy.
In the devastating aftermath of the tragedy, Ethel channeled her grief into action, ensuring her husband’s vision of a more just and peaceful world would live on. In the same year of his death, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights (RFKHR).
The organization, initially established to carry on the Senator’s commitment to social justice, has since grown into a globally recognized non-profit focused on protecting and promoting human rights through advocacy, litigation, and education. Ethel served as its honorary chair and remained a powerful, symbolic presence for decades. This act of founding RFKHR was not just a tribute, but a powerful continuation of the political and humanitarian work she shared with Bobby.
- RFK Human Rights: The organization continues to give the annual Ripple of Hope Award, recognizing leaders who work toward social change, with recent laureates including Stephen Colbert in 2025.
- Activism Beyond RFKHR: Ethel also co-chaired the Coalition of Gun Control and was involved in various other causes, including environmental protection and advocacy for the poor.
Ethel’s Final Years and the Enduring Kennedy Family Matriarchy
Ethel Kennedy’s later life was characterized by her role as the steadfast matriarch of the expansive Kennedy clan, navigating family triumphs and tragedies with characteristic resilience. She was the last surviving member of her generation of Kennedys, carrying the torch for the family’s political and social legacy.
She was a source of support and guidance for her 11 children and numerous grandchildren, many of whom have pursued careers in politics, law, and activism, including her daughter Kerry Kennedy, who serves as the President of RFK Human Rights, and her grandson Joseph P. Kennedy III, who has served in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In her final years, Ethel remained engaged in the political landscape, notably expressing support for President Joe Biden amidst her son Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s independent presidential campaign, highlighting the complex political dynamics within the family.
Ethel Kennedy’s death in late 2024 has prompted a global reflection on the profound impact of the Bobby and Ethel partnership. Their story is not just one of a glamorous political couple tragically cut short, but a testament to the power of a widow to transform personal grief into a lasting institutional force for global good. Her legacy is cemented by the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization and the continued public service of her children, ensuring the ideals she and Bobby shared—justice, hope, and compassion—will continue to ripple across the world.
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