Joan Kennedy, Wife of Sen. Ted Kennedy, Dies at 89
Joan Kennedy, the former spouse of Sen. Edward ‘Ted’ Kennedy, has passed away at the age of 89, as confirmed by her family in a statement. Her son, Patrick Kennedy, and his wife, Amy, shared the news, emphasizing Joan’s contributions as a pianist and her advocacy for mental health and addiction recovery. Joan’s legacy includes her efforts to break the stigma around addiction and depression, which were uncommon topics of discussion during her time.
Her marriage to Ted Kennedy was not without challenges, as their relationship was marked by public scandals related to his infidelity and personal conduct. She ultimately divorced Ted in 1983, though she remained a constant presence in his life during some of his most difficult times. One of these moments was the aftermath of the Chappaquiddick accident in 1969, where Ted Kennedy’s car plunged off a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island, tragically killing his young female passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne. Although Kennedy managed to swim to safety, he waited several hours before contacting authorities and later pleaded guilty to charges of failing to stop at the scene of an accident.
Despite their eventual separation, Joan’s advocacy for mental health and her candid discussions about personal struggles left a lasting impact. Her work in breaking the stigma around addiction and depression inspired many to seek help and healing. These contributions extended beyond her personal life, affecting her community and the broader nation through her involvement in the arts and mental health advocacy.
Joan’s legacy is also intertwined with the political dynamics of her family. Her nephew, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has been actively involved in recent political endorsements, including his decision to support Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential race. As of now, there has been no formal statement from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about Joan’s passing.
The death of Joan Kennedy marks the end of a significant chapter for the Kennedy family, known for its long history of public scrutiny and political influence. Her contributions to mental health advocacy and personal resilience will be remembered as part of the broader legacy of the Kennedy name.