A beloved figure from one of America's most prominent political families faces a health challenge.
PBS NewsHour reported that Ethel Kennedy, the 96-year-old widow of Robert F. Kennedy, has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke.
The Kennedy family released a statement on Tuesday night, revealing that the incident occurred in her sleep on Thursday morning.
The family's statement, shared on social media by Kerry Kennedy, Ethel's daughter, assured the public that Mrs. Kennedy was receiving appropriate care and resting comfortably. While the specific hospital and location of the stroke were not disclosed, the family emphasized that she was surrounded by loved ones during this time.
Ethel Kennedy, one of the last remaining members of her generation in the extended Kennedy family, has long been known for her strength and resilience. The family's statement highlighted her recent active lifestyle, noting that she had enjoyed a fulfilling summer and early fall.
Kerry Kennedy shared in the statement:
She has had a great summer and transition into fall. Every day she enjoyed time with her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was able to get out on the water, visit the pier, and enjoy many lunches and dinners with family. It has been a gift to all of us and to her as well.
Ethel Kennedy's life has been marked by both tragedy and tireless advocacy.
She stood by her husband Robert F. Kennedy's side during his political career and was present when he was assassinated in Los Angeles on June 5, 1968, shortly after winning the California Democratic presidential primary.
In the wake of this personal and national tragedy, Mrs. Kennedy founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights later that same year. This organization has since become a beacon for human rights, advancing its cause through litigation, advocacy, education, and inspiration.
Despite her age, Ethel Kennedy has remained an active participant in social and political causes well into her nineties. Her commitment to various issues has been evident through her participation in public demonstrations and advocacy efforts.
In 2016, at the age of 88, she took part in a demonstration supporting higher pay for farmworkers in Florida. Two years later, at 90, she joined a hunger strike to protest the Trump administration's immigration policies. These actions underscore her enduring passion for social justice and human rights.
The Kennedy family has long held a unique place in American culture, often likened to royalty in a country without a monarchy. Ethel Kennedy, as one of the last living links to the era of "Camelot" – a term used to describe the optimistic John F. Kennedy presidency – represents a connection to a significant period in U.S. history.
Ethel Kennedy's hospitalization due to a stroke marks a moment of concern for the Kennedy family and their many supporters. Her long-standing commitment to social causes, resilience in the face of personal tragedy, and active engagement with family and community well into her nineties have made her a revered figure. The family's statement emphasizes her strength and the support she is receiving during this challenging time.
