Joan Bennett Kennedy, Former Wife of Sen. Edward Kennedy, Dies at 89
Joan Bennett Kennedy, a woman renowned for her exceptional beauty and musical talents, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 89. She was the former wife of Senator Edward M. Kennedy and a prominent figure in the Kennedy family.
Joan Kennedy's life was intertwined with the Kennedys for decades. She married Ted Kennedy in 1958, and their lives were marked by both tragedy and political prominence. The couple had three children but also faced miscarriages, including one after the Chappaquiddick incident. Their marriage ended in 1980 following Ted Kennedy's unsuccessful presidential campaign, with a memorable bumper sticker reading 'Vote for Jimmy Carter, Free Joan Kennedy'.
Joan Kennedy was known for her love of playing the piano, often opening her husband's campaign rallies with a serenade. She was one of the first women to publicly acknowledge her struggles with alcoholism and depression, seeking help after being hospitalized in 2005. After her divorce, she pursued her passion for music, touring the world with orchestras and writing a book on appreciating classical music.
Joan Kennedy is survived by her two sons, nine grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and nearly 30 nieces and nephews. She was one of the last remaining members of the Kennedy family generation that included President John F. Kennedy. Her life was marked by both personal struggles and public prominence, leaving a lasting impact on the Kennedy family and American politics.
