Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy Sr., has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke, according to a statement from the Kennedy family. Joe Kennedy III announced that Ethel, 96, experienced the stroke while sleeping on Thursday and was taken to a hospital, where she is currently receiving care surrounded by her family.
The Kennedys shared that Ethel is “comfortable” but asked for continued thoughts and prayers during her recovery. In the weeks leading up to the stroke, Ethel had enjoyed a vibrant summer and early fall, spending time with her extended family, including her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed outings, including dining out and spending time on the lake.
Ethel, the sister-in-law of former President John F. Kennedy, is the mother of 11 children, including Kathleen, Joe, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. At the time of her husband’s assassination in 1968 during his presidential campaign, Ethel was pregnant with their youngest child. She never remarried after his death.
In honor of her late husband, Ethel founded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization in 1969. Her contributions to social justice and human rights advocacy earned her the Congressional Medal of Freedom in 2014, the nation’s highest civilian honor, presented by President Barack Obama.