Joan Bennett Kennedy, Former Wife of Senator Ted Kennedy, Dies — Sons Share Touching Tributes
Joan Bennett Kennedy, former wife of the late U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy and mother to three of his children, passed away peacefully at her home in Boston on October 8, 2025, at the age of 89. Renowned for her grace under pressure, resilience, and lifelong dedication to family, music, and public service, Joan’s legacy remains deeply intertwined with the history of the Kennedy family. Before her marriage, Joan was a successful model, socialite, and an accomplished classical pianist.
She met Ted Kennedy in 1957 through his sister Jean, and they quickly fell in love, marrying in 1958. Together, they shared 24 years of marriage and raised three children: Kara, Ted Jr., and Patrick. Joan is survived by her sons Ted Jr. and Patrick, along with nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, a sister, and many nieces and nephews. Her daughter Kara tragically passed away in 2011. Throughout her marriage, Joan stood by Ted during some of the most challenging moments of his life and career.
These included the assassinations of his brothers, John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, as well as the devastating Chappaquiddick incident in 1969, which occurred while Joan was pregnant. Despite these pressures and personal struggles—including her own battle with alcohol—she remained loyal and supportive. Though their marriage ended in divorce in 1983, Joan continued to lead a meaningful life marked by personal accomplishments.
She was a passionate advocate for the arts and mental health awareness, using her own experiences to help others. Joan was a published author and narrated classical music stories, including Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. In her later years, she dedicated herself to raising funds for nonprofits and charitable causes in Boston.
Following news of her passing, Joan’s sons paid heartfelt tributes. Ted Kennedy Jr. praised her strength, humility, and honesty, sharing how she taught him the power of truthful communication and listening. Patrick Kennedy highlighted her role as a loving mother and an inspiring example to those facing mental health challenges.
Tributes also poured in from the wider Kennedy family and public figures. Kerry Kennedy shared touching memories, while Maria Shriver remembered Joan as a “beautiful soul” who faced life’s challenges with courage. John Williams, conductor laureate of the Boston Pops, honored Joan’s lasting impact on the music community and her dedication to supporting young musicians.
Joan Bennett Kennedy leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, resilience, and devotion—not only to her family but also to the arts and the many causes she quietly championed throughout her life.
Joan Bennett Kennedy, former wife of the late U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy and mother to three of his children, passed away peacefully at her home in Boston on October 8, 2025, at the age of 89. Renowned for her grace under pressure, resilience, and lifelong dedication to family, music, and public service, Joan’s legacy remains deeply intertwined with the history of the Kennedy family. Before her marriage, Joan was a successful model, socialite, and an accomplished classical pianist.
She met Ted Kennedy in 1957 through his sister Jean, and they quickly fell in love, marrying in 1958. Together, they shared 24 years of marriage and raised three children: Kara, Ted Jr., and Patrick. Joan is survived by her sons Ted Jr. and Patrick, along with nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, a sister, and many nieces and nephews. Her daughter Kara tragically passed away in 2011. Throughout her marriage, Joan stood by Ted during some of the most challenging moments of his life and career.
These included the assassinations of his brothers, John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, as well as the devastating Chappaquiddick incident in 1969, which occurred while Joan was pregnant. Despite these pressures and personal struggles—including her own battle with alcohol—she remained loyal and supportive. Though their marriage ended in divorce in 1983, Joan continued to lead a meaningful life marked by personal accomplishments.
She was a passionate advocate for the arts and mental health awareness, using her own experiences to help others. Joan was a published author and narrated classical music stories, including Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf. In her later years, she dedicated herself to raising funds for nonprofits and charitable causes in Boston.
Following news of her passing, Joan’s sons paid heartfelt tributes. Ted Kennedy Jr. praised her strength, humility, and honesty, sharing how she taught him the power of truthful communication and listening. Patrick Kennedy highlighted her role as a loving mother and an inspiring example to those facing mental health challenges.
Tributes also poured in from the wider Kennedy family and public figures. Kerry Kennedy shared touching memories, while Maria Shriver remembered Joan as a “beautiful soul” who faced life’s challenges with courage. John Williams, conductor laureate of the Boston Pops, honored Joan’s lasting impact on the music community and her dedication to supporting young musicians.
Joan Bennett Kennedy leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, resilience, and devotion—not only to her family but also to the arts and the many causes she quietly championed throughout her life.
