BOSTON (AP) — Joan B. Kennedy, the former wife of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 89. Her life, marked by family tragedy, her husband's infidelities, and her own struggles with alcoholism and mental health, painted the picture of a complex yet resilient woman. Joan Bennett, born into a prominent family in Bronxville, New York, was a model and classically-trained pianist when she married Ted Kennedy in 1958.
Joan's life dramatically changed when her brother-in-law, John F. Kennedy, was elected president in 1960, only to be assassinated three years later. Another brother-in-law, Robert F. Kennedy, also faced a tragic end when he was assassinated while running for the presidency. Despite initial skepticism regarding his political ambitions, Ted Kennedy became a respected U.S. Senator. However, scandals followed him throughout his career, notably the Chappaquiddick incident in 1969, where a car he was driving plunged off a bridge, resulting in the death of passenger Mary Jo Kopechne. Kennedy's subsequent guilty plea to leaving the scene of an accident cast a long shadow over his political aspirations.
Through her marriage to Ted, Joan Kennedy welcomed three children but experienced devastating miscarriages, including one shortly after the Chappaquiddick incident. While she supported her husband during the scandal, their marriage strained to the point of separation by the time of his unsuccessful 1980 presidential campaign. One infamous bumper sticker from the campaign declared, "Vote for Jimmy Carter, Free Joan Kennedy."
Joan Kennedy's passing comes shortly after Ethel Kennedy, widow of Robert F. Kennedy, died at 96. Joan’s background revealed her artistic inclinations, as she was deeply passionate about music throughout her life. She often opened campaign rallies with piano performances and later toured with orchestras worldwide, promoting the importance of arts education.
In an interview from 1992, she reminisced about playing piano for her brother-in-law Bobby Kennedy during his 1968 presidential run. She noted the joy her music brought to those at his campaign rallies, citing the uplifting themes of songs like "This Land Is Your Land." Joan acknowledged music as a source of comfort during difficult times, including the deaths of Jack and Bobby Kennedy and her own marital struggles.
Her son, Patrick Kennedy, praised her courage and talent in a statement, highlighting her role as a loving mother and the impact she had on those facing mental health challenges. Joan became one of the first public figures to speak openly about her struggles with alcoholism and depression. Her son Ted Jr. admired how she faced her challenges with grace and humility, emphasizing the lessons he learned about truthfulness and communication.
Joan's struggles with alcohol worsened after the Chappaquiddick incident, leading to multiple arrests and several stints in treatment programs. A pivotal moment occurred in 2005 when she was found passed out on a Boston sidewalk; following this incident, her children sought a court-ordered guardianship to ensure her care. Maria Shriver commended her cousins for their dedication to caring for Joan and respecting her privacy during her challenges.
Joan Kennedy is survived by two sons, nine grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and nearly 30 nieces and nephews. Sadly, her daughter Kara passed away in 2011. Joan's life legacy, filled with resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of arts education, will be remembered as an inspiration to many.
