The Definitive Answer: Where Is Ethel Kennedy Buried? A Permanent Reunion Next To RFK
The question that lingered for over five decades—where would Ethel Kennedy ultimately be laid to rest—has now been definitively answered. Following her passing at the age of 96, the widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy was interred in a private ceremony, fulfilling the long-anticipated wish for her final resting place to be alongside her beloved husband.
As of today, December 23, 2025, the historical record is complete: Mrs. Kennedy was buried next to Senator Robert F. Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. This permanent reunion, which took place on November 25, 2024, marks the close of a remarkable chapter in American political history and ensures the couple's grave site remains a powerful symbol of their shared legacy and enduring love.
The Matriarch and the Senator: A Dual Biography
The lives of Ethel Skakel Kennedy and Robert Francis Kennedy were inextricably linked to the zenith and the tragedy of the American political landscape. Their story is one of youthful ambition, a large family, and a sudden, devastating loss that reshaped the course of a dynasty. Understanding their respective biographies is essential to grasping the profound significance of their shared burial site.
- Ethel Skakel Kennedy (1928–2024):
- Full Name: Ethel Skakel.
- Born: April 11, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois.
- Parents: George Skakel and Ann Brannack.
- Education: Manhattanville College.
- Marriage: Married Robert F. Kennedy on June 17, 1950.
- Post-1968 Role: Became a lifelong human rights advocate and social justice activist, founding the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization (formerly the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights).
- Death: Died on October 10, 2024, at the age of 96.
- Robert Francis Kennedy (1925–1968):
- Full Name: Robert Francis Kennedy (RFK).
- Born: November 20, 1925, in Brookline, Massachusetts.
- Key Roles: U.S. Attorney General (1961–1964) under his brother, President John F. Kennedy; U.S. Senator for New York (1965–1968); 1968 Democratic Presidential Candidate.
- Assassination: Shot on June 5, 1968, in Los Angeles after winning the California primary, and died the following day.
- Burial: Interred on June 8, 1968, at Arlington National Cemetery.
- Shared Family and Home:
- Children: The couple had 11 children: Kathleen, Joseph II, Robert Jr., David, Courtney, Michael, Kerry, Christopher, Max, Douglas, and Rory (born after RFK's death).
- Family Residence: Hickory Hill in McLean, Virginia, which became a social and political hub during the Kennedy administration.
The Final Resting Place: A Permanent Reunion at Arlington
The question of whether Ethel Kennedy would be buried next to her husband, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, was a matter of long-standing public interest, particularly after her death in October 2024. The answer, confirmed by the Kennedy family and subsequent reports, is a resounding yes.
Ethel Kennedy was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia on November 25, 2024, in a private ceremony attended by her children, grandchildren, and other close family members. This solemn event ensured her permanent placement right next to her husband, RFK.
The Significance of the Arlington Burial Site
Arlington National Cemetery, a sacred and historic ground, is the final resting place for many American heroes and public servants. For the Kennedy family, this location holds particular significance:
- Proximity to JFK: Robert F. Kennedy’s grave is situated just 30 yards from the eternal flame memorial and the grave of his assassinated older brother, President John F. Kennedy. Ethel’s interment completes this poignant family triangle.
- A Grave of Historical Importance: The grave site of Robert F. and Ethel Kennedy is a historic memorial, drawing millions of visitors annually who wish to pay their respects to the legacy of the former U.S. Attorney General and Senator.
- A Long-Awaited Promise: As the widow of a U.S. Senator and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Ethel Kennedy was guaranteed burial rights at Arlington. The family's decision to place her alongside RFK honors their 18 years of marriage and their shared commitment to public service.
The grave is not marked by the elaborate eternal flame that distinguishes JFK's plot but is instead a simple, dignified memorial, reflecting the humility RFK often championed. The addition of Ethel's presence completes the memorial, signifying the couple’s enduring bond that survived the tragedy of 1968.
An Enduring Legacy: From Hickory Hill to RFK Human Rights
Ethel Kennedy’s life was defined not only by her role as the wife of a major political figure and the mother of 11 children but also by her profound commitment to carrying on the work her husband began. After RFK’s assassination, she stepped into the role of a national icon and an unwavering advocate for social justice, a legacy that is permanently etched into the American consciousness.
The Torch of Human Rights Activism
Following the shock and grief of Robert F. Kennedy’s death, Ethel channeled her energy into activism. In 1968, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization. This non-profit group has grown into a global powerhouse, working to hold governments accountable and championing the causes of social justice, human rights, and the rule of law across the world.
This organization, now led by her daughter Kerry Kennedy, is a tangible continuation of the ideals that both Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy shared. Her work ensured that RFK’s vision for a more just world did not die with him but was instead amplified through decades of dedicated advocacy.
The Matriarch of the Kennedy Dynasty
Ethel Kennedy served as the matriarch of the expansive Kennedy family for over half a century. Her resilience in raising 11 children after the loss of her husband, coupled with her public commitment to their shared values, solidified her position as a pillar of the dynasty. Her home, Hickory Hill, remained a gathering place and a symbol of the family’s enduring spirit.
Her family’s public statements following her burial emphasized this legacy. Her daughter, Kerry Kennedy, noted that "Mummy was laid to rest next to Daddy at Arlington National Cemetery," adding that her "extraordinary life and enduring legacy will continue to guide and inspire us." This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the finality and the continuation of her life’s work.
A Life of Public Service and Private Strength
Ethel Kennedy's life spanned nearly a century of American history, from her privileged upbringing in the Skakel family to her central role in the political drama of the 1960s and her subsequent decades of human rights work. Her final resting place next to RFK is not merely a logistical arrangement but a symbolic completion of a life lived in partnership and dedicated to the highest ideals of public service.
The permanent grave site at Arlington National Cemetery now serves as a dual memorial. It honors the assassinated Senator Robert F. Kennedy and the tireless activist and matriarch, Ethel Kennedy, together, forever united in the landscape of American history.
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