NBC reports that Joan Bennett Kennedy, the first wife of late U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Boston at the age of 89. Family spokesperson Steve Kerrigan confirmed this.
Joan was best known as a member of one of America’s most famous political families, but she also made her own way as a professionally trained pianist, music teacher, and mental health advocate. She was a beloved public figure because of her grace, bravery, and honesty. She inspired many people by being upfront about her own problems.
Life and Legacy
Joan Bennett Kennedy was born in 1936 and started out as a music teacher. She married Ted Kennedy in 1958. They had three kids together—Kara, Ted Jr., and Patrick—during their 24 years of marriage.
Joan was always very involved in Boston’s arts and cultural scene. She supported music education and performance organizations. Her love of music showed in how well she played classical piano and how long she worked with the Boston Pops Orchestra.
Joan was one among the first famous American women to talk about her struggles with depression and drinking in public in the 1970s. At a time when few people were willing to do so, she was willing to talk openly about her problems, which helped break the taboo around mental health and addiction recovery.
Family and friends pay their respects
Her relatives and friends regarded her as a brave, caring, and honest woman.
Ted Kennedy Jr., her son, stated in a moving statement, “I will always admire my mother for how she faced her problems with grace, courage, humility, and honesty.” She taught me to be more honest with myself and that paying attention is a better way to communicate than speaking in front of a group.
Patrick Kennedy, her younger son and a former congressman from Rhode Island, said, “Mom was a loving mother and a talented musician. She was also a powerful example to millions of people with mental health issues.” Not only will our family miss her, but the arts community in Boston will too.
A Long-Lasting Effect on Music
There were also many tributes from Boston’s lively artistic community. John Williams, a famous composer and conductor of the Boston Pops, paid tribute to her by saying, “Joan was a great pianist and knew a lot about classical music.” People will remember how much she cared for the Boston Pops Orchestra and the kids of Boston for a long time.
Thinking about a life of grace
Ted Kennedy Jr. and Patrick Kennedy are Joan Bennett Kennedy’s sons. She also has a sister, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Her daughter Kara Kennedy died in 2011 before her.
Her narrative of strength, love for family, and steadfast support lives on in the hearts of people she touched via music, compassion, and truth.