Ethel Kennedy, a human rights lawyer and widow of US Senator Robert F Kennedy, is recovering from a stroke she suffered last week, according to a statement shared by her grandson, former Representative Joseph P. Kennedy III, on X on Tuesday.
“Unfortunately, she suffered a stroke in her sleep on Thursday morning,” her grandson wrote on X. “She was taken to an area hospital where she is now being treated.” His aunt, Kerry Kennedy, later posted the same statement.
Ethel, 96, is the sister-in-law of former President John F Kennedy and mother of former presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr. With her husband, who served as attorney general under his brother’s administration, Ethel had eleven children. She was widowed at the age of 40 when her husband was murdered while running for president. Ethel then founded the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights nonprofit organization in her husband’s honor
“She is comfortable, she is getting the best care possible and she is surrounded by family,” said Joe and Kerry Kennedy. “She is, as you may know, a strong woman who has lived a remarkably fulfilling life. We will take care of her here.”
Ethel’s involvement with human rights organizations, including the Coalition of Gun Control, earned her the Congressional Medal of Freedom in 2014. When President Barack Obama presented her with the honor, he noted that her “love of family is matched only by her devotion to it.” nation”.
In the post shared on X, the Kennedy family asked for privacy while Ethel recovers.
