The Kennedy Legacy Lives On: A Deep Dive Into Ethel Kennedy's 11 Children And Their Current Status

The legacy of Ethel Kennedy, the matriarch of one of America’s most prominent political dynasties, has taken on a new, urgent focus following her recent passing on October 10, 2024, at the age of 96. Her life was defined by her marriage to U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) and her unwavering commitment to social justice and human rights, a torch she passed down to her large family.

The lives and careers of her eleven children—a blend of politics, activism, and business—continue to make headlines, demonstrating the enduring influence of the Kennedy name. From high-profile political campaigns and public family rifts to dedicated human rights advocacy, here is the most current look at Ethel Kennedy’s children and their roles in the modern world.

Ethel Kennedy: A Biographical Snapshot

Ethel Skakel was born on April 11, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois. She was the sixth of seven children born to George and Ann Skakel. Her connection to the Kennedy family began early, as she attended Manhattanville College with Jean Kennedy, the sister of John F. Kennedy (JFK) and Robert F. Kennedy.

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• Full Name: Ethel Skakel Kennedy
• Born: April 11, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois
• Died: October 10, 2024 (Age 96)
• Spouse: Robert F. Kennedy (Married 1950; died 1968)
• Role: American human rights advocate, philanthropist, and political matriarch.
• Total Children: 11 (two of whom, Douglas and Rory, were born after RFK's assassination).
• Key Organization: Founder of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights (now Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights).

The 11 Children of Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy: A Current Status Report

Ethel Kennedy raised her eleven children largely as a single mother after Senator Kennedy’s assassination in 1968. Their lives are a tapestry of public service, tragedy, and political controversy. The family’s commitment to public life ensures they remain a constant subject of national conversation, especially given the current political landscape.

1. Kathleen Hartington Kennedy Townsend (Born 1951)

As the eldest of the children, Kathleen has carved out a significant career in both law and politics. She served as the sixth Lieutenant Governor of Maryland from 1995 to 2003, making her the first woman to hold the position. Today, she is a distinguished figure in academia, teaching at institutions such as Georgetown and Harvard, where she mentors the next generation of leaders. She remains an active and vocal member of the Democratic Party, often aligning herself with mainstream political endorsements.

2. Joseph Patrick Kennedy II (Born 1952)

Joseph P. Kennedy II is a former Democratic politician who represented Massachusetts in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 1999. While no longer in elected office, his public service continues through his work as the founder of Citizens Energy Corporation, a non-profit organization that provides affordable heating oil and other energy assistance to low-income families. In a recent and highly emotional public stance, Joseph II urged authorities to keep his father's assassin, Sirhan Sirhan, in prison, highlighting the enduring pain of the 1968 tragedy.

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3. Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. (Born 1954)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is arguably the most publicized of Ethel's children in the current era due to his independent political career. An environmental lawyer and activist, his recent run for President of the United States has caused a significant and very public rift within the Kennedy family. Several siblings, including Kerry, Christopher, and Max, have publicly condemned his political views and campaign, calling his run "dangerous to our country."

4. David Anthony Kennedy (1955–1984)

David Kennedy’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 28. He was a son who struggled with addiction following his father’s assassination, which he witnessed on television. His death in a Palm Beach hotel room due to an overdose remains one of the family’s most painful chapters, highlighting the private struggles faced by the public dynasty.

5. Mary Courtney Kennedy Hill (Born 1956)

Known as Courtney, she has largely focused on philanthropy and human rights advocacy, following in her mother's footsteps. She has been an active supporter of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization. Courtney is known for maintaining a relatively lower public profile compared to her politically active siblings, often focusing her efforts behind the scenes.

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6. Michael LeMoyne Kennedy (1958–1997)

Michael Kennedy was an American lawyer and activist who tragically died in a skiing accident at the age of 39. At the time of his death, he was the head of the non-profit organization Citizens Energy Corporation, which his brother Joseph founded. His passing was a profound loss for the family, coming less than 30 years after his father’s assassination.

The Next Generation of Kennedy Activism and Politics

The younger generation of Ethel Kennedy’s children continues to honor the family tradition of public service and human rights, often taking a firm stand on contemporary political issues.

7. Mary Kerry Kennedy (Born 1959)

Kerry Kennedy is one of the most dedicated human rights advocates in the world today. She serves as the President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, the organization founded by her mother. Kerry is a vocal proponent of social justice and has recently made headlines for her strong, public opposition to her brother Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s political campaign, stating that she "disavowed and dissociated" from his views. Her commitment to "Speak Truth to Power" is a central theme in her current work.

8. Christopher George Kennedy (Born 1963)

Christopher Kennedy is a businessman and former politician, best known for his role as the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the University of Illinois and for his business ventures in real estate and hospitality. In a clear demonstration of the family's mainstream political allegiance, Christopher was among the Kennedy family members who appeared in a recent 2024 campaign ad endorsing Joe Biden for a second presidential term, directly opposing his brother’s independent run.

9. Matthew Maxwell Taylor Kennedy (Born 1965)

Known as Max Kennedy, he is an author and political organizer. Max has focused his writing on American history and environmental issues, often reflecting the progressive values of his parents. Like many of his siblings, he has been an active participant in the current political debate, lending his support to the Democratic Party and publicly distancing himself from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign.

10. Douglas Harriman Kennedy (Born 1967)

Douglas, a journalist and correspondent for Fox News, was born just six months before his father's assassination. He has pursued a career in media, covering a range of topics and maintaining a significant presence in the news industry.

11. Rory Elizabeth Katherine Kennedy (Born 1968)

Rory is an accomplished documentary filmmaker and the youngest of the 11 children. She was born six months after her father's death. Her filmography often explores social issues, human rights, and political history, including the critically acclaimed documentary Ethel (2012), which offered an intimate portrait of her mother's life and the family's history. Her work is a powerful continuation of the Kennedy tradition of using media to advocate for change.

The Enduring Topical Authority of the Kennedy Name

The recent passing of Ethel Kennedy has reignited public interest in the family's complex and powerful narrative. The children’s varied and often conflicting public lives—from the environmental activism of RFK Jr. to the global human rights work of Kerry Kennedy—underscore the family’s enduring topical authority in American politics and social justice. The current political climate, marked by the sharp divisions over Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s candidacy, serves as a poignant, fresh update on a family that has always been at the center of national debate. Their collective efforts, whether in agreement or opposition, ensure that the Kennedy name remains synonymous with public service, controversy, and a relentless pursuit of political influence.