Kennedy clan gathers to say goodbye to Joan Kennedy, last of old guard

Kennedy Clan Gathers to Say Goodbye to Joan Kennedy

The first wife of the late U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, Joan Bennett Kennedy, who died at 89, was remembered for her complicated legacy marked by addiction, music, and political dynasty.

Dozens of Kennedy family members gathered in Boston to mourn her death at a Catholic Mass. Joan Kennedy reportedly died in her sleep at age 89.

It's no secret that she had a complicated life, you know, her troubles with alcohol. But for us, she was our grandmother.

Edward Kennedy III expressed gratitude to the city of Boston for embracing her after her divorce from Ted Kennedy in 1982.

Author's summary: Joan Kennedy's legacy remembered by family and friends.

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WBUR WBUR — 2025-10-16