Ethel Kennedy, a leading advocate for social justice, has passed away at 96, as her family shared through heartfelt social media posts.
Ethel, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy, died in Boston surrounded by family. Her death closes a life marked by activism, strength, and a deep love for her family.
Her grandson, Joe Kennedy III, announced on Twitter, “She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week.” Ethel is survived by nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.
Joe said his grandmother was a devout Catholic and found peace in believing she is now with her late husband Robert, her sons David and Michael, daughter-in-law Mary, and grandchildren Maeve and Saoirse, along with great-grandchildren Gideon and Josie.
Her son, Robert Kennedy Jr., also shared his grief on social media, mentioning his mother’s lively personality, saying, “She never lost her fun, humor, and spark.”
Many tributes followed, celebrating Ethel’s extraordinary life. Her niece, Maria Shriver, said, “What a life she led. What a huge family she leaves behind. I’m glad I could laugh with her this summer and share memories.”
Robert Kennedy Jr. shared that his mother, Ethel, often spoke with excitement about reuniting with loved ones who had passed, including her 16 Irish setters, all named “Rusty.”
Tributes continued to pour in, honoring Ethel’s life. Her niece, Maria Shriver, posted a touching message, saying, “What a life she led. What a huge family she created and leaves behind. I’m so glad I could laugh with her this summer and share memories.”
Maria also praised Ethel’s character, calling her fearless, funny, smart, a great athlete, and deeply patriotic. She mentioned how deeply Ethel loved her husband, Robert, who Maria affectionately called “Uncle Bobby.”
Maria highlighted Ethel’s strong faith, adding, “During the tough times, and there were many, she leaned on her faith, just like my own mother.”
After Maria’s tribute, Ethel’s granddaughter, Michaela Kennedy Cuomo, posted a touching photo on her Instagram Story. The image showed her hand holding Ethel’s, which was adorned with a large diamond ring. Set to Taylor Swift’s song “Starlight,” the picture reflected their closeness during Ethel’s final moments.
Former U.S. President Bill Clinton also expressed his and Hillary’s condolences. He honored Ethel’s long and impactful life, calling her a “fierce fighter for justice and equality, a warm, wonderful woman, a great mother, and a dear friend.”
Bill fondly remembered Ethel for her personal touch, noting that she sent the “best Valentine’s Day cards ever” to their family. He added, “Hillary and I loved her very much and will always cherish the friendship, kindness, and support she gave us over the years.”
Ethel was born on April 11, 1928, to a wealthy family in Chicago. Her father, George Skakel, built a successful coal business, and the family eventually moved to a large estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, where Ethel grew up with her six siblings.
Ethel Kennedy attended several prestigious schools, starting with the all-girls Greenwich Academy in Connecticut, followed by the Convent of the Sacred Heart in the Bronx, and then Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart. It was at college where she met Jean Kennedy, and they became close friends and roommates. This friendship would eventually change her life forever.
In 1945, at the age of 17, Ethel met Jean’s brother, Robert Kennedy, during a skiing trip at Mount Tremblant Resort in Quebec, Canada. At that time, Robert was dating Ethel’s sister, Patricia Skakel. After that relationship ended, Ethel and Robert began dating, marking the start of their lifelong partnership.
Ethel’s involvement in public life went beyond her marriage to Robert. She became well-known for her strong support of John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign and later, her husband’s successful run for a U.S. Senate seat representing New York.
Ethel Kennedy’s impact was vast, as seen in the numerous tributes and birthday wishes from family and friends. Throughout her 96 years, she was known not only for her strong humanitarian work but also for the deep love she had for those around her. Ethel will be remembered for her enduring legacy of fighting for social justice and her dedication to family. Her compassion, strength, and warm spirit touched countless lives, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
Tom Hanks Receives Sweet Tribute From Wife Rita Wilson — One Detail Catches People’s Attention
Rita Wilson celebrated Tom Hanks’ birthday with a sweet Instagram post. She shared a heartfelt message alongside a photo, marking both his special day and their 36 years together. Fans showered Hanks with love, though a few couldn’t help but notice something about his look in the photo.
As Tom Hanks celebrated his 68th birthday, his wife of 36 years, Rita Wilson, took to Instagram with a heartfelt tribute. She shared a touching post featuring a recent photo of Hanks standing proudly in front of an impressive record collection and vintage record player.
The Forrest Gump star was showered with love from his wife. Rita Wilson, 67, marked his special day with a sweet and loving message on Instagram.
“
Happy Birthday to my love! You made the world a better place the day you were born. You bring joy wherever you go. You are the bringer of laughs, a lover of vehicles, or pretty much anything, shaped like a round bath tub. The bookshelves in our house shout from their bindings your love of history and the unexpectedly romantic Maeve Binchy,” she wrote.
“You get as much pleasure from recording your radio show @bossradio66 as you do from listening to any kind of surf music on vinyl. @tcm is your go to channel any time of day or night. Your patience for our kids harassing you about your ignorance of pop culture is admirable. We love you. I love you. So much and every day. 
,” Rita added.
Tom Hanks was flooded with birthday wishes and compliments, showing just how much love and respect he’s earned over the years. Along with fans, plenty of celebrities chimed in to celebrate, including Julia Roberts. The actress, who worked with Hanks on Larry Crowne, left a sweet message in the comments of Rita Wilson’s post. “Yes! Happy Birthday Tom,” wrote Roberts. “So happy you were born.”
But also, fans showered the actor with comments like: “The coolest man alive,” one fan wrote. Another appreciated Rita’s tribute to her husband, “Happy Birthday Tom! What a sweet and loving wish from your beautiful wife. May you have many more incredible years ahead of you and thanks for sharing your talent/art with all of us, your adoring fans.” And also, “He truly is a gift to the world…as are you, Rita!”
However, many people online noticed a slight change in the appearance of the actor, which is normal given that he had just turned 68 with one user stating, “I cannot believe he is almost in his 70s,” surprised by the actor’s age. Another wrote, “I would have sworn he was older! Not because he looks or acts it particularly but it just feels like he’s been around forever.”
Rita paid a sweet tribute to her husband a few months ago when they celebrated their 36th anniversary.
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