On Wednesday, President Joe Biden joined former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton to honor Ethel Kennedy’s life and legacy at her funeral in Washington, D.C. Ethel, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy, passed away on October 10 at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of activism and compassion.
The service at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle featured tributes from Sting, Kenny Chesney, and Stevie Wonder, and eulogies from her family and prominent figures.
Biden, visibly moved, recalled how Ethel supported him after the tragic loss of his wife and daughter in 1972, helping him through a difficult time with the encouragement of Ted Kennedy.
“We’re a better nation and a better world because of Ethel Kennedy,” he said. He also spoke about Ethel’s support after his son Beau’s passing in 2015, expressing gratitude for the enduring bond between the Kennedy and Biden families.
Her daughter, Kerry Kennedy, highlighted Ethel’s commitment to keeping her husband’s legacy alive, noting that in doing so, Ethel created her own powerful legacy.
“Her mission was to keep Daddy’s legacy alive, but she now leaves us a legacy that is truly hers,” Kerry said, reflecting on her mother’s strength and contributions.
Former President Obama shared memories of Ethel’s passion for justice, recalling how she supported him after his 2004 Democratic National Convention speech.
He honored her relentless pursuit of justice, saying, “Her joy and love for people helped feed her righteous anger toward the injustices in our world.” Obama had previously awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014, recognizing her lifelong dedication to human rights.
Bill Clinton added lighthearted memories, joking about Ethel’s warmth and charm. He described her as a welcoming presence who made everyone feel like family.
“She really wanted to be your mother, grandmother, mother-in-law. She was an amazing fireball of continuous energy,” Clinton said, painting a picture of Ethel’s warmth and spirited personality.
Ethel’s journey with the Kennedy family began when she met Robert Kennedy through his sister Jean. The couple married in 1950 and raised 11 children together.
After Robert’s assassination in 1968, Ethel became a prominent advocate for social causes, including gun control and civil rights. She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center to continue her husband’s legacy and remained active in public life.
Ethel was also remembered for her resilience. After witnessing her husband’s assassination while pregnant with their eleventh child, she dedicated her life to justice and activism.
Her work through the RFK Memorial Center and her advocacy for civil rights marked her as a steadfast force for change.
At Wednesday’s service, Biden and other attendees highlighted how Ethel’s life was one of courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to making a difference.
The Biden and Kennedy families share a long history of mutual support, which Biden emphasized, saying, “The Biden family is here for you, as you’ve always been for us.“
As those gathered celebrated her life, they noted Ethel’s impact on American society as an advocate for justice and a symbol of enduring strength.
Her legacy lives on, not only through the Kennedy family but also in the lives of those she touched through her work and her unwavering commitment to social change.
