Ethel Kennedy, a leading advocate for social justice, has passed away at 96, as her family shared through heartfelt social media posts.
Ethel, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy, died in Boston surrounded by family. Her death closes a life marked by activism, strength, and a deep love for her family.
Her grandson, Joe Kennedy III, announced on Twitter, “She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week.” Ethel is survived by nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.
Joe said his grandmother was a devout Catholic and found peace in believing she is now with her late husband Robert, her sons David and Michael, daughter-in-law Mary, and grandchildren Maeve and Saoirse, along with great-grandchildren Gideon and Josie.
Her son, Robert Kennedy Jr., also shared his grief on social media, mentioning his mother’s lively personality, saying, “She never lost her fun, humor, and spark.”
Many tributes followed, celebrating Ethel’s extraordinary life. Her niece, Maria Shriver, said, “What a life she led. What a huge family she leaves behind. I’m glad I could laugh with her this summer and share memories.”
Robert Kennedy Jr. shared that his mother, Ethel, often spoke with excitement about reuniting with loved ones who had passed, including her 16 Irish setters, all named “Rusty.”
Tributes continued to pour in, honoring Ethel’s life. Her niece, Maria Shriver, posted a touching message, saying, “What a life she led. What a huge family she created and leaves behind. I’m so glad I could laugh with her this summer and share memories.”
Maria also praised Ethel’s character, calling her fearless, funny, smart, a great athlete, and deeply patriotic. She mentioned how deeply Ethel loved her husband, Robert, who Maria affectionately called “Uncle Bobby.”
Maria highlighted Ethel’s strong faith, adding, “During the tough times, and there were many, she leaned on her faith, just like my own mother.”
After Maria’s tribute, Ethel’s granddaughter, Michaela Kennedy Cuomo, posted a touching photo on her Instagram Story. The image showed her hand holding Ethel’s, which was adorned with a large diamond ring. Set to Taylor Swift’s song “Starlight,” the picture reflected their closeness during Ethel’s final moments.
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton also expressed his and Hillary’s condolences. He honored Ethel’s long and impactful life, calling her a “fierce fighter for justice and equality, a warm, wonderful woman, a great mother, and a dear friend.”
Bill fondly remembered Ethel for her personal touch, noting that she sent the “best Valentine’s Day cards ever” to their family. He added, “Hillary and I loved her very much and will always cherish the friendship, kindness, and support she gave us over the years.”
Ethel was born on April 11, 1928, to a wealthy family in Chicago. Her father, George Skakel, built a successful coal business, and the family eventually moved to a large estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, where Ethel grew up with her six siblings.
Ethel Kennedy attended several prestigious schools, starting with the all-girls Greenwich Academy in Connecticut, followed by the Convent of the Sacred Heart in the Bronx, and then Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart. It was at college where she met Jean Kennedy, and they became close friends and roommates. This friendship would eventually change her life forever.
In 1945, at the age of 17, Ethel met Jean’s brother, Robert Kennedy, during a skiing trip at Mount Tremblant Resort in Quebec, Canada. At that time, Robert was dating Ethel’s sister, Patricia Skakel. After that relationship ended, Ethel and Robert began dating, marking the start of their lifelong partnership.
Ethel’s involvement in public life went beyond her marriage to Robert. She became well-known for her strong support of John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign and later, her husband’s successful run for a U.S. Senate seat representing New York.
Ethel Kennedy’s impact was vast, as seen in the numerous tributes and birthday wishes from family and friends. Throughout her 96 years, she was known not only for her strong humanitarian work but also for the deep love she had for those around her. Ethel will be remembered for her enduring legacy of fighting for social justice and her dedication to family. Her compassion, strength, and warm spirit touched countless lives, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
Woman Sees Her Missing Husband’s Signature Dress Pattern on a Stranger – The Truth Is Haunting
This Halloween was the first one Kate’s daughter would celebrate without her father. Kate was still struggling to cope with her husband’s disappearance. But seeing her daughter smile brought her joy and helped her forget her sadness. However, her heart raced when she spotted a little girl wearing the same dress Carl used to make.
As Halloween approached, the autumn air was crisp and refreshing. Leaves crunched beneath feet outside, and the neighborhood was slowly changing into a festive and spooky place.
Outside her warm home, Kate worked hard on decorations, wanting everything to be just right for her daughter, Holly.
The lawn was already a mix of decorations — plastic bats, fake cobwebs, and glowing pumpkins.
Kate stood on a stool, carefully hanging up the bats while Holly followed her, bringing her own decorations.
Holly’s excitement made Kate smile, but the little girl had her own ideas about Halloween. Holly didn’t really understand what “spooky” meant.
Instead of creepy decorations, she carried her favorite pink dolls and a soft teddy bear, arranging them neatly on the front porch next to the jack-o’-lanterns.
Kate watched with amusement as Holly lined up her toys. She admired her daughter’s creativity but knew it was time to explain once again what Halloween was all about.
“Sweetheart,” Kate began softly, “Halloween is supposed to be spooky, not cute.”
She smiled gently, realizing she had said this many times, but Holly was only five — she had her own ideas.
Holly looked up at her mother with big, curious eyes.
“But why, Mommy? Why does it have to be spooky?” she asked, clutching her beloved teddy bear.
Kate chuckled softly as she stepped down from the stool.
“Well, that’s just how Halloween works,” she explained patiently.
“It’s a time when people dress up in costumes and pretend to be scary, just for fun. But it’s okay if we make it a little cute too.”
Holly still seemed unsure, her brows furrowed in thought. But after a moment, she nodded and shrugged.
“Okay, Mommy.” Then her face lit up. “Can I wear the costume Daddy made me last year?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Kate’s heart tightened at the mention of Carl, her husband who had vanished six months ago.
It felt like a punch to the stomach, wiping the smile from her face.
For a moment, she froze, her hands shaking slightly as she reached for a bat decoration.
“No, sweetheart,” Kate said softly, her voice catching in her throat.
“I’ll make you a new costume this year.”
“But I liked Daddy’s costume,” Holly protested, her voice filled with disappointment.
“Do you think he’ll come back for Halloween?” she added innocently.
The question hung heavily in the air. Kate’s heart ached, but she forced a smile, kneeling to Holly’s level and brushing a strand of hair from her face.
“I don’t think he’ll be back, darling,” Kate said gently but sadly.
The pain of not knowing what had happened to Carl never left her, but she had to be strong for Holly.
Later that evening, the excitement in the air was almost tangible.
Kate knelt before Holly, making sure her daughter’s new costume was perfect.
Holly could hardly stand still, her small feet bouncing with anticipation, her candy bucket gripped tightly in one hand.
“Hold still for just one more second, sweetie,” Kate said with a smile, adjusting the hood of Holly’s cape to make sure it fit just right.
“Do you have everything? Your bucket, your flashlight, your cape — is everything ready?”
“Yes, Mom!” Holly replied, her voice bubbling with excitement. She tugged on her mother’s sleeve impatiently.
“Can I please go now? My friends are waiting!”
Kate couldn’t help but laugh at Holly’s eagerness. The pure joy on her daughter’s face was contagious, and for a moment, all the worry and sadness Kate felt about Carl’s disappearance melted away.
“Alright, go on,” she said, pulling Holly in for a quick hug before letting her go. “Be safe and have fun.”
Holly flashed a wide, bright smile, her eyes shining with excitement, before running off to join her friends.
A small group of kids, all in colorful costumes, was waiting at the end of the street, their laughter echoing in the night.
Kate watched Holly as she disappeared into the crowd, feeling joy at seeing her daughter so happy.
With a contented sigh, Kate turned back toward the house and began preparing a big bowl of candy for the trick-or-treaters who would soon come.
Before long, the doorbell rang, and the familiar chorus of “Trick or treat!” filled the air.
Kate greeted each group of kids with a warm smile, dropping candy into their eager buckets and laughing at their colorful costumes.
But then, a little girl appeared on the doorstep, and Kate’s smile froze.
The girl wore a cute little coat with a bouncy cape, and for a moment, Kate’s breath caught in her throat.
The costume looked so familiar — too familiar. It was just like the ones Carl used to make. The same fabric, the same details, and the same bouncy cape.
Kate’s mind raced back to when Carl would sit at the sewing machine, working on costumes for Holly and explaining how to make the cape float just right.
“That’s a beautiful costume you have, sweetheart,” Kate said, her voice trembling as she tried to keep her emotions in check.
“Where did you get it?”
The little girl smiled up at her.
“My father made it! Do you like it?”
Kate’s heart raced. “Yes,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
“It’s beautiful… and the cape is bouncy, isn’t it?”
The girl nodded eagerly.
“My father says it’s better this way.”
Kate was stunned. Could it be? No, it couldn’t. Carl had been missing for so long.
This had to be a coincidence… right? But no matter how much she tried to convince herself, something deep inside wouldn’t let it go.
Unable to stop herself, Kate leaned down and gently asked the little girl,
“Would you mind showing me where your house is? I’d love to ask your father how he made that costume. Maybe he can help me make one for Holly.”
The girl smiled, her innocence shining through.
“Sure! I live just a few streets away,” she said, pointing in the direction of her home.
Kate’s heart raced as soon as she closed the door behind the girl. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something more to this.
Could it really be Carl? After all these months, was he just a few streets away? Her mind spun with a mix of hope and fear.
Without hesitating, she grabbed her coat and followed the girl’s directions.
What if it really was Carl? What would she say? What would he say? As much as she wanted answers, she feared what she might find. Still, she couldn’t turn back now. She had to know.
As Kate approached the house the little girl had described, she felt her breath catch in her throat.
There, standing in the doorway and handing out candy to trick-or-treaters, was Carl. Her Carl.
The man she had loved, the man she had grieved for. He was alive. He was right there in front of her.
Carl spotted her almost immediately, and his face changed. There was no doubt — he recognized her.
His eyes widened in shock, and for a moment, they both stood frozen, staring at each other.
Kate’s heart raced as she took a few hesitant steps toward him. The only word she could manage was, “Hi.”
Carl swallowed hard, his voice barely a whisper.
“Hi,” he replied, just as quietly.
For a moment, they stood there in silence, the air between them thick with unspoken words and emotions.
Kate felt a flood of questions rise inside her, but none came out.
Her voice trembled when she finally spoke again.
“How have you been?”
Carl sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair as if searching for the right words.
“I’m sorry, Kate. I didn’t want to disappear like that. I just… I didn’t know how to tell you the truth.”
Kate’s heart raced.
“The truth?” she repeated, her voice shaking. “What truth?”
Carl looked away, guilt on his face. “I met someone else,” he admitted quietly.
“Her name is Rachel, and… I fell in love with her. That little girl calls me her father now. They’re my family.”
The words hit Kate like a ton of bricks. Her heart shattered. She could barely breathe as the reality of his words sank in.
“And what about me? What about Holly? We’re your family too,” she said, her voice struggling to hold back the hurt.
“I know,” Carl said softly, his eyes full of regret. “But I couldn’t live in two worlds anymore. I had to choose.”
Kate stood in silence, her heart aching with every breath. “And you chose them,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.
“I’m sorry,” Carl said, his voice thick with regret. He looked down, avoiding her gaze. “Is there anything I can do to make it right?”
Kate swallowed hard, forcing herself to stay composed. “Just be happy,” she said, her voice breaking slightly. “That’s all you can do. We’ll try to be happy too.”
Before Carl could respond, a woman appeared in the doorway behind him. “Who is this, Carl? What’s going on?” she asked sharply.
“Rachel, please,” Carl began, turning toward her. But Kate had already made up her mind. She didn’t need to hear more.
Without a word, she turned and walked away, her heart heavy but resolved. The Carl she had known was gone. It was time to let go and move on.
As she approached her house, she saw Holly running toward her, her candy bucket nearly full.
Holly’s smile was bright and full of joy, lighting up the evening. Kate knelt down, wrapping her arms tightly around her daughter.
In that moment, she realized that all she needed was right here, with Holly. It was time to start living again, just the two of them.
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