Ethel Kennedy, human rights activist, recovers from stroke | US News

Ethel Kennedy, a human rights activist and widow of U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, is recovering from a stroke she suffered last week, according to a statement issued by her grandson, former Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy III, on Tuesday shared on X.

“Unfortunately, she suffered a stroke in her sleep on Thursday morning,” her grandson wrote on

Ethel, 96, is the sister-in-law of former President John F. Kennedy and mother of former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Ethel had eleven children with her husband, who served as attorney general under his brother's administration. She became a widow at the age of 40 when her husband was assassinated while running for president. Ethel then founded the non-profit organization Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights in honor of her husband.

“She is comfortable, receiving the best care possible and surrounded by her family,” said Joe and Kerry Kennedy. “She is, as you may know, a strong woman who has lived a remarkably full life. We are here and we will take care of them.”

Ethel's involvement in human rights organizations, including the Coalition of Gun Control, earned her the Congressional Medal of Freedom in 2014. When President Barack Obama presented her with the honor, he noted that “her love for family is surpassed only by her devotion to them.” Nation”.

In the post shared on X, the Kennedy family asked for privacy while Ethel recovers.