Joan Bennett Kennedy, the talented pianist, dedicated philanthropist, and former wife of the late Senator Edward M. “Ted” Kennedy, peacefully passed away at her Boston home on Wednesday morning at the age of 89.
A family spokesperson shared that she died peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by those closest to her. “She lived her life with grace and courage until the very end,” the statement read. “Her family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace.”
Renowned for her elegance and composure, Joan Kennedy’s life was marked by both privilege and strength. She was much more than a political spouse — she was a woman of intellect, artistic talent, and compassion, who faced personal struggles in the public eye with remarkable honesty.
Born Virginia Joan Bennett on September 2, 1936, in Manhattan and raised in Bronxville, New York, Joan grew up in a family that cherished education and the arts. A gifted pianist from an early age, she pursued music studies at Manhattanville College, where her warmth and charm quickly made her well-loved.
During her college years, she met Ted Kennedy, the youngest brother of Senator John F. Kennedy. Their romance was swift and widely celebrated. Upon their marriage in 1958, Joan became a member of America’s most prominent political family, stepping gracefully into a life filled with ambition and relentless public attention.