Joan Kennedy, First Wife of Sen. Edward Kennedy, Dies at 89
Joan B. Kennedy, first wife of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, has passed away at 89. A classically-trained pianist, she was known for openly discussing her struggles with alcoholism and depression.
Last Surviving Camelot Kennedy Dead at 89
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Overview
- Joan B. Kennedy, first wife of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, passed away at 89, ending a life marked by political prominence and personal struggles.
- A classically-trained pianist and former model, she married Ted Kennedy in 1958, performing at his rallies and later touring globally with her music.
- She had three children with Sen. Kennedy and experienced miscarriages, including one after the Chappaquiddick accident, amidst public life and family tragedies.
- Kennedy was a pioneering figure, openly discussing her battles with alcoholism and depression, setting an example for millions facing similar mental health conditions.
- After standing by her husband through scandals, their estrangement led to divorce in 1982; she is survived by two sons, nine grandchildren, and family.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Joan Kennedy's death by emphasizing her personal struggles with alcoholism and mental health, often portraying her as a figure who "endured" a "troubled" marriage within the tumultuous Kennedy family. They highlight her courage in publicly addressing these issues, while also using her passing as a reflective moment on the broader "Kennedy legacy" and its perceived decline, suggesting a narrative of a family whose "centre cannot hold."
"Joan Kennedy was widely admired for her personal courage and professional accomplishments, rightly so."
CBS News"Joan Kennedy, the first wife of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy who endured a troubled marriage marked by family tragedies, her husband’s infidelities and her own decades-long struggles with alcoholism and mental health, died on Wednesday."
ABC News"Joan Bennett Kennedy, the first wife of the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward "Ted" Kennedy, has died."
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FAQ
Joan B. Kennedy was the first wife of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, known for her status as a classically-trained pianist and for openly discussing her struggles with alcoholism and depression. She was a prominent figure due to her political family ties and advocacy for mental health.
Joan Kennedy performed as a pianist at Ted Kennedy's rallies and toured globally with her music, contributing to his public presence during his political career.
Joan Kennedy had three children with Senator Kennedy, including the late television producer Kara Kennedy and former Rhode Island U.S. Representative Patrick Joseph Kennedy. She also experienced miscarriages and endured personal tragedies including the Chappaquiddick accident aftermath.
She was a pioneering figure by openly discussing her battles with alcoholism and depression, setting an example for millions facing similar mental health challenges.
Joan Kennedy stood by Senator Kennedy through political scandals but their estrangement ultimately led to their divorce in 1982; she is survived by two sons, nine grandchildren, and family.
History
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