Joan Bennett Kennedy, first wife of former longtime Mass. Senator, dies at 89
BOSTON, Mass. (WLNE) — Joan Bennett Kennedy, the former wife of Massachusetts Senator Ted Kennedy, died Wednesday at the age of 89, according to Steve Kerrigan from the Massachusetts Democratic Party.
Kennedy was a classical pianist and mental health and addiction services advocate and was the mother of Senator Kennedy’s three children Kara, Ted, Jr. and former Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy.
She married Senator Kennedy in 1958 at the age of 25 and was active in Boston arts organizations, including the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Council for the Arts and Humanities.
Kennedy also authored a best-selling book in 1992 titled “The Joy of Classical Music.”
She publicly acknowledged her depression and alcohol struggles, one of the earliest instances of a prominent American woman to do so.
“Besides being a loving mother, talented musician, and instrumental partner to my father as he launched his successful political career, Mom was a powerful example to millions of people with mental health conditions,” said Patrick Kennedy.
“She will be missed not just by the entire Kennedy Family, but by the arts community in the City of Boston and the many people whose lives that she touched.”
Calling hours and funeral arraignments for Kennedy have yet to be announced.
