Ethel Kennedy, the beloved widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy and a prominent figure in American political history, was honored on Wednesday during a heartfelt memorial service in Washington, D.C. The event brought together three U.S. presidents, renowned musicians, and a multitude of family members who gathered to celebrate her remarkable life.
President Joe Biden delivered a poignant eulogy for Mrs. Kennedy, who passed away last Thursday at the age of 96 due to complications from a stroke. He described her as “a hero in her own right, full of character, full of integrity and empathy, genuine empathy.” With visible emotion, President Biden reflected on how Ethel had encouraged him to continue serving in the Senate following a tragic car accident that claimed the lives of his first wife and infant daughter in 1972. “Ethel Kennedy would hear none of it,” he recounted, “Fact is, like she did for the country, Ethel helped my family find a way forward.”
This memorial service marked the second gathering in her honor that week, highlighting her significant influence in American politics. Esteemed figures from the Democratic Party, including former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, took to the stage to share their memories and accolades. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi paid tribute to Mrs. Kennedy, combining personal admiration with heartfelt respect, stating, “I honor her from an official standpoint and from a girlfriend standpoint.” Martin Luther King III, the son of the iconic civil rights leader, drew parallels between Ethel Kennedy and his mother, emphasizing her ability to forge “beautiful bridges of greater understanding.”
Several of Ethel’s 34 grandchildren also took the opportunity to share touching anecdotes that illustrated her tenacity in activities like tackle football and her adventurous spirit in sailing. The musical performances added a special touch to the memorial, with Sting and Stevie Wonder captivating the audience. Wonder notably altered the lyrics of his famous song “Isn’t She Lovely” to honor Ethel, singing “Ethel is lovely.”
Born in Chicago in 1928, Ethel married Robert F. Kennedy in 1950, and together they welcomed 11 children into the world. Known for her fervent passion for politics, she was often described as “more Kennedy than the Kennedys.” Following the tragic assassination of her husband in 1968, Mrs. Kennedy devoted herself to her family and various advocacy efforts, all while hosting political figures at her cherished estate in Virginia, known as Hickory Hill.
