Joan Bennett Kennedy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joan Bennett Kennedy
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Kennedy in 1971
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Virginia Joan Bennett
September 2, 1936 New York City, New York, U.S.
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| Died | October 8, 2025 (aged 89) Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
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| Education | Manhattanville College (BA) Lesley University (MA) |
| Political party | Democratic |
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Virginia Joan Kennedy (born Bennett; September 2, 1936 – October 8, 2025) was an American author and advocate. She was also known as the first wife of U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy. Joan Kennedy wrote a guide to classical music in 1992. She also worked to raise awareness about mental health awareness and recovery.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Virginia Joan Bennett was born in New York City on September 2, 1936. She grew up in Bronxville, New York, in a Roman Catholic family. Her parents were Virginia Joan Stead and Harry Wiggin Bennett Jr. Her father led an advertising agency. Joan had one younger sister named Candace.
She attended Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York. This college was also attended by her future mother-in-law, Rose Kennedy. Her future sisters-in-law, Jean Kennedy Smith and Ethel Skakel Kennedy, also studied there. In 1982, Joan earned a Master's degree in Education from Lesley University. As a teenager, she worked as a model in television commercials.
Marriage and Family Life
In October 1957, Joan met Edward "Ted" Kennedy through his sister, Jean. Ted was then a law student. They quickly became engaged and married on November 29, 1958, in Bronxville, New York. Ted's older brother, John F. Kennedy, was a U.S. Senator at the time.
Joan and Ted had three children:
- Kara Kennedy (1960–2011)
- Edward M. Kennedy Jr. (born 1961)
- Patrick J. Kennedy (born 1967)
Their son, Ted Jr., developed bone cancer at age 12 in 1973. Part of his right leg was removed. Their daughter, Kara, was treated for lung cancer in 2003. Kara passed away from a heart attack in 2011 at age 51.
Ted Kennedy became a U.S. Senator for Massachusetts. He suffered a serious back injury in a 1964 airplane crash. Joan helped with his campaign appearances while he recovered. He successfully won his re-election.
In July 1969, Ted was involved in a car accident on Chappaquiddick Island. His passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, died in the accident. Joan attended Mary Jo's funeral. A few days later, she supported her husband in court when he accepted responsibility for the accident.
The couple separated in 1978 after twenty years of marriage. Joan later spoke publicly about her experiences to help others. She became an advocate for mental health awareness and recovery. They remained married during Ted's 1980 presidential campaign. Their divorce was finalized in 1982.
Later Life and Contributions
In 1992, Joan Kennedy published a book titled The Joy of Classical Music: A Guide for You and Your Family. She was a talented pianist. She also taught classical music to children. Joan worked with various children's charities throughout her life.
She was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2005 and had surgery.
Joan Kennedy attended Ted Kennedy's funeral in Boston. She never remarried after her divorce. Her last public appearance was with the Kennedy family at their annual Fourth of July gathering. This was three months before she passed away.
Passing
Joan Kennedy passed away at her home in Boston on October 8, 2025. She was 89 years old. Public visitation is scheduled for October 14 in Boston. Her funeral mass is set to be held on October 15 at St. Anthony Shrine in Boston. A private burial will follow.
Written Works
- Kennedy, Joan Bennett (1992). The Joy of Classical Music: A Guide for You and Your Family. Nan A. Talese/Doubleday, New York. ISBN: 978-0-385-41262-9.
See also
In Spanish: Virginia Joan Bennett Kennedy para niños
