Human Rights Activist and Matriarch

Ethel Kennedy | Biography

American human rights advocate

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : April 28, 2025

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Who is Ethel Kennedy?

Ethel Kennedy was a prominent American human rights activist, best known as the widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Born on April 11, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, Ethel Skakel grew up in a wealthy family, which set her on a path of privilege but also social responsibility. After marrying Robert Kennedy in 1950, Ethel became a vital player in the Kennedy political dynasty. She raised their 11 children while actively participating in various political campaigns and championing social causes, particularly after her husband's assassination in 1968.

Following Robert's tragic death, Ethel dedicated her life to preserving his legacy through activism. She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, a nonprofit organization advocating for social justice and human rights issues globally. Ethel's commitment extended beyond human rights; she also co-chaired the Coalition of Gun Control and was involved in various philanthropic efforts. Throughout her life, she faced personal tragedies but remained a steadfast matriarch to her large family, emphasizing the importance of love, unity, and social responsibility.

Early Life and Education

Ethel Skakel Kennedy was born on April 11, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois, to George and Ann Skakel. The family achieved significant wealth, thanks to George’s success as a co-owner of the Great Lakes Coal & Coke Co., a company established in 1919. The family's fortune allowed them to relocate to Greenwich, Connecticut, where Ethel grew up in a grand country manor alongside her six siblings. This affluent background provided Ethel with numerous privileges and opportunities, shaping her into a spirited and determined individual from a young age.

Ethel’s education led her to the prestigious Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart, where she developed close friendships and connections that would influence her future. Among these friendships was Jean Kennedy, sister of future President John F. Kennedy. Ethel and Jean grew particularly close, eventually becoming roommates, and Ethel's bond with the Kennedy family deepened during her time in college. Her experiences shaped her worldview and prepared her for the influential role she would later play as a member of the Kennedy family and as a passionate advocate for social justice.

Marriage to Robert F. Kennedy

Ethel Kennedy's journey alongside Robert F. Kennedy began in 1950, shortly after they became engaged. The couple wed on June 17, 1950, blending their lives amidst the backdrop of a burgeoning political landscape. As Robert, the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy, embarked on his political career, Ethel took on the crucial role of nurturing their growing family. They welcomed their first child, Kathleen, on July 4, 1951, and continued to have a total of eleven children over the next two decades. Ethel became the center of family life, balancing motherhood with Robert's political aspirations.

With her vivacious spirit and strong organizational skills, Ethel became a dynamic presence in the political and social events surrounding her husband’s career. She actively supported Robert during key moments, including his campaigns, and often hosted gatherings at their home in Virginia. Ethel’s natural charisma and ability to connect with people made her an asset during Robert’s rise as U.S. Attorney General and later as a U.S. Senator. Their marriage, described as a partnership rooted in mutual support and shared ideals, faced unimaginable challenges, especially following the assassination of Robert in 1968, which marked the beginning of a new chapter in Ethel's life dedicated to preserving his legacy.

Political Spouse

Ethel Kennedy emerged as a prominent political spouse during her husband Robert F. Kennedy's rise in politics. As he ascended from the role of U.S. attorney general to a U.S. Senator, Ethel not only managed their large family but also supported his political ambitions. After their marriage in 1950, she became a steadfast partner, taking on the challenges of motherhood while also engaging in the grueling demands of the political landscape. Ethel’s vivacious personality and organizational skills were key in hosting gatherings at their home, Hickory Hill, fostering connections between influential figures in government and beyond, thus solidifying the family's political legacy.

The 1960s were a tumultuous time for Ethel; as she navigated the personal joys and trials of motherhood—ultimately raising 11 children—she also played a significant role in the political repercussions following the tragic assassination of her brother-in-law, President John F. Kennedy. Embracing her identity as a Kennedy, Ethel handled public appearances gracefully, even amidst the sorrow of her family's losses. Her unwavering support accompanied Robert on his campaign trail when he entered the presidential race in 1968. Although cut short by his assassination, Ethel emerged as a strong matriarch who dedicated her life not only to her family but also to upholding Robert's progressive ideals and humanitarian efforts.

Family Tragedies and Activism

Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, carved a unique path as a family matriarch and a dedicated activist following her husband's assassination in 1968. While she bore the heavy burden of raising their 11 children alone, Ethel also established herself as a formidable advocate for social justice and human rights. In 1968, just months after her husband's tragic death, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights, which continues to promote human rights activism globally. Ethel’s unwavering commitment to her late husband's ideals solidified her reputation as a compassionate leader in the realm of advocacy.

Despite facing immense personal losses, including the deaths of two of her sons and several grandchildren, Ethel remained resolute in her mission to effect meaningful change. Her deep commitment to various social causes included working with organizations such as the Bedford Stuyvesant Restoration Project in Brooklyn, highlighting her dedication to community service. Ethel became a symbol of resilience and hope, channeling her grief into activism and remaining a vital figure in her family's legacy—supporting her children and grandchildren to carry the torch of justice that her husband once held dear.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Ethel Kennedy, born Ethel Skakel, married Robert F. Kennedy in 1950, and together they built a life filled with love, family, and public service. The couple welcomed a total of eleven children, beginning with their firstborn, Kathleen, on Independence Day in 1951. Following Kathleen, they had three sons—Joseph II, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and David—over the next few years. The growing family was a cornerstone of their life together, as Ethel embraced her role as a devoted wife and mother while supporting Robert's burgeoning political career.

Ethel's marriage with Robert was characterized by a deep commitment to each other and their shared values, particularly in the realm of social justice. As Robert's political career flourished, Ethel managed their home and took an active role in political campaigns, demonstrating her capability to balance family responsibilities with advocacy. Tragically, their lives were forever changed when Robert was assassinated in 1968. Ethel faced the challenges of single motherhood with resilience, raising their remaining children and preserving Robert's legacy through her ongoing activism and compassion for social causes.

Net Worth and Earning: Earnings from Activism

Ethel Kennedy's financial standing, while not extensively documented, can be largely attributed to her late husband Robert F. Kennedy's substantial wealth, as well as her own ventures in activism. After Robert's assassination in 1968, Ethel dedicated herself to charitable causes, founding the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice & Human Rights, which became a significant platform for her advocacy work. While non-profit organizations typically do not generate profit in the same way that traditional businesses do, Ethel's engagement in various fundraising initiatives and humanitarian efforts likely provided her with a stable financial foundation.

Throughout her life, Ethel Kennedy remained committed to the principles of social justice and human rights, earning her accolades and recognition. These efforts culminated in her being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014, which can also enhance one's public persona and potential earning power through speaking engagements and collaborations. Her name remains synonymous with activism, and her legacy, intertwined with the Kennedy family's reputation, ensures that her influence endures within the realms of philanthropy and social reform, solidifying her place as a notable figure in American history.