Who was Joan Bennett Kennedy? Late Sen. Ted Kennedy's first wife dies at 89
Posted on: Oct 08, 2025 21:09 IST | Posted by: Hindustantimes
Joan floyd bennett Kennedy, the first wife of US Senator Ted Kennedy, has died at the age of 89. Steve Kerrigan, who is their family spokesperson, said that she passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in Boston on Wednesday as per NBC. Kennedy is known for her marriage into one of America’s most famous political families, but she is remembered for her love of music and her advocacy for mental health.
Born in 1936, Joan Bennett Kennedy was a music teacher as well as a skilled classical pianist. She and Ted Kennedy were married for 24 long years and had three children. The children's names are Kara, Ted Jr., and Patrick. Joan Bennett has stayed active in Boston’s arts community for her entire life, and she has openly talked about mental health awareness and addiction recovery.
During the 1970s, Joan went on to become one of the most well-known women in the US to openly share her experiences with depression and alcoholism, which helped in breaking the stigma around these issues.
Her son, Ted Kennedy Jr., remembered her courage and honesty. “I will always admire my mother for the way she faced up to her challenges with grace, courage, humility, and honesty,” he said in a statement, as per NBC. “She taught me how to be more truthful with myself and how careful listening is a more powerful communication skill than public speaking.”
Patrick Kennedy, her younger son and a former Rhode Island congressman, added, “Besides being a loving mother and talented musician, Mom was a powerful example to millions of people with mental health conditions. She will be missed not just by our family, but by the arts community in Boston.”
The Boston Pops' conductor laureate, John Williams, gave his thoughts on her impact on the city's music scene in a statement. He said, “Joan was a fine pianist and had an incredible knowledge of classical music. Her dedication to the Boston Pops Orchestra and to the young people of Boston will be remembered for years to come.”
She is survived by her sons Ted Jr. And Patrick, nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a sister. Her daughter Kara died in 2011.
She passed away peacefully in her sleep at her Boston home, according to her family.
She was a classical pianist, music teacher, and early advocate for mental health awareness.
Details of the funeral service will be announced on the Carr Funeral Home website.
Global News Perspectives
In today's interconnected world, staying informed about global events is more important than ever. ZisNews provides news coverage from multiple countries, allowing you to compare how different regions report on the same stories. This unique approach helps you gain a broader and more balanced understanding of international affairs. Whether it's politics, business, technology, or cultural trends, ZisNews ensures that you get a well-rounded perspective rather than a one-sided view. Expand your knowledge and see how global narratives unfold from different angles.
Customizable News Feed
At ZisNews, we understand that not every news story interests everyone. That's why we offer a customizable news feed, allowing you to control what you see. By adding keywords, you can filter out unwanted news, blocking articles that contain specific words in their titles or descriptions. This feature enables you to create a personalized experience where you only receive content that aligns with your interests. Register today to take full advantage of this functionality and enjoy a distraction-free news feed.
Like or Comment on News
Stay engaged with the news by interacting with stories that matter to you. Like or dislike articles based on your opinion, and share your thoughts in the comments section. Join discussions, see what others are saying, and be a part of an informed community that values meaningful conversations.
Download the Android App
For a seamless news experience, download the ZisNews Android app. Get instant notifications based on your selected categories and stay updated on breaking news. The app also allows you to block unwanted news, ensuring that you only receive content that aligns with your preferences. Stay connected anytime, anywhere.
Diverse News Categories
With ZisNews, you can explore a wide range of topics, ensuring that you never miss important developments. From Technology and Science to Sports, Politics, and Entertainment, we bring you the latest updates from the world's most trusted sources. Whether you are interested in groundbreaking scientific discoveries, tech innovations, or major sports events, our platform keeps you updated in real-time. Our carefully curated news selection helps you stay ahead, providing accurate and relevant stories tailored to diverse interests.
No comments yet.