Joan Bennett Kennedy, the accomplished pianist, philanthropist, and former wife of the late Senator Edward M. “Ted” Kennedy, passed away peacefully at her home in Boston on Wednesday morning. She was 89.
According to a family spokesperson, she died in her sleep surrounded by loved ones. “She lived with grace and courage until the end,” the statement said. “Her family takes comfort in knowing she is finally at peace.”
Known for her elegance and poise, Joan Kennedy’s life reflected both privilege and resilience. She was far more than a political spouse — she was a woman of deep intelligence, artistry, and compassion who faced personal challenges in the public eye with remarkable honesty.
Born Virginia Joan Bennett on September 2, 1936, in Manhattan, and raised in Bronxville, New York, she grew up in a family that valued education and the arts. A talented pianist from an early age, Joan studied music at Manhattanville College, where her charm and warmth made her a beloved presence on campus.
During her college years, she met Ted Kennedy, the youngest brother of then-Senator John F. Kennedy. Their romance was quick and celebrated across the nation. When they married in 1958, Joan became part of America’s most famous political family, stepping gracefully into a world of ambition and constant public attention.
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