Joan Bennett Kennedy
Joan Bennett Kennedy | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Kennedy in 1971 | |
| Born | Virginia Joan Bennett September 2, 1936 New York City, New York, U.S. |
| Died | October 8, 2025 (aged 89) Boston, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Education | Manhattanville College (BA) Lesley University (MA) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | |
| Children |
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Virginia Joan Kennedy (née Bennett; September 2, 1936 – October 8, 2025) was an American socialite, singer, author, and model. She was the first wife of U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy.[1]
In July 1969, Ted Kennedy was involved in a car accident at a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island in Massachusetts that resulted in the death of his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne.[2] Although pregnant and confined to bed in the wake of two previous miscarriages, Joan attended Kopechne's funeral. Three days later, she stood beside her husband in a local court when he pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident. She suffered a third miscarriage soon afterwards.[3]
In 1992, she published the book The Joy of Classical Music: A Guide for You and Your Family. Kennedy worked with children's charities, was an accomplished pianist and taught classical music to children.[4]
Kennedy died at her home in Boston, Massachusetts on October 8, 2025 from problems caused by dementia at the age of 89.[5]
References
- ↑ Jacobs, Sally (May 25, 2008). "Kennedy, his children, and cancer". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
- ↑ Bly, Nellie (1996). The Kennedy Men: Three Generations of Sex, Scandal and Secrets. Kensington Books, New York. p. 200. ISBN 1-57566-106-3.
- ↑ Taraborrelli, J. Randy (2000). Jackie, Ethel, Joan: Women of Camelot. Warner Books, New York. ISBN 0-446-52426-3.
- ↑ Staff writer (n.d.). "Joan Bennett Kennedy Biography (1936– )". The Biography Channel. Retrieved 2009-08-28.
- ↑ McNeil, Liz (October 8, 2025). "Joan Kennedy, Former Wife of Sen. Ted Kennedy, Dies at 89". People. Retrieved October 8, 2025.