The New Generation: A Deep Dive Into Ethel Kennedy's 34 Grandchildren And Their Modern Legacy

The enduring power of the Kennedy name, a symbol of American political royalty, continues to captivate the world, and as of December 15, 2025, the focus is increasingly turning to the third and fourth generations of this iconic family. The late Ethel Kennedy, the matriarch and widow of Robert F. Kennedy, left behind a vast and influential lineage of 34 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, each carrying a piece of the family’s complex history and commitment to public service. This new generation is not only honoring their grandmother's legacy in politics and human rights but is also forging new paths in media, diplomacy, and the arts, proving the dynasty's influence is far from over.

This article provides the most current and comprehensive look at Ethel Kennedy's 34 grandchildren, detailing who they are, which branch of the family they belong to, and the significant roles they are playing in the world today, from the halls of diplomacy to the red carpets of Hollywood.

Ethel Kennedy: Biography and The 11 Children

Ethel Skakel Kennedy (1928–2024) was more than just a political wife; she was a formidable human rights advocate and the epicenter of a sprawling family. Born into the wealthy Skakel family, she married Robert F. Kennedy in 1950, becoming one of the most visible figures in American politics until his assassination in 1968. She dedicated her life to raising their eleven children and carrying on the mission of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights (RFK Human Rights).

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Ethel and RFK’s eleven children—the generation that produced the 34 grandchildren—are:

• Kathleen Hartington Kennedy Townsend (b. 1951): Former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland.
• Joseph Patrick Kennedy II (b. 1952): Former U.S. Representative for Massachusetts.
• Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. (b. 1954): Environmental lawyer, activist, and political figure.
• David Anthony Kennedy (1955–1984): Deceased.
• Mary Courtney Kennedy Hill (b. 1956): Human rights activist.
• Michael LeMoyne Kennedy (1958–1997): Deceased.
• Mary Kerry Kennedy (b. 1959): Human rights activist and President of RFK Human Rights.
• Christopher George Kennedy (b. 1963): Businessman and former Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the University of Illinois.
• Matthew Maxwell Taylor Kennedy (Max) (b. 1965): Author and human rights activist.
• Douglas Harriman Kennedy (b. 1967): Journalist and correspondent for Fox News.
• Rory Elizabeth Katherine Kennedy (b. 1968): Award-winning documentary filmmaker.

The Political and Diplomatic Torchbearers

The core of the Kennedy legacy is public service, and several of Ethel Kennedy's grandchildren have stepped into the political arena, often taking on high-profile roles that mirror the ambitions of their grandparents. This is the generation that is now actively defining the future of the family dynasty.

Joseph Patrick Kennedy III: The Diplomat

The most prominent political figure among the grandchildren is undoubtedly Joseph Patrick "Joe" Kennedy III (son of Joseph P. Kennedy II). A former U.S. Representative for Massachusetts, Joe Kennedy III has successfully transitioned from domestic politics to international diplomacy. As of 2025, he serves as the U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, a role that places him at the center of complex geopolitical issues.

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His career is seen as a continuation of the family's commitment to social justice and the Democratic Party platform. His announcement of Ethel Kennedy's passing underscored his position as a key voice for the younger generation.

The Cuomo-Kennedy Connection

Another politically significant branch is the family of Kerry Kennedy, Ethel’s seventh child. Her daughters with former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo—triplets Mariah Kennedy Cuomo, Cara Kennedy Cuomo, and their sister Michaela Kennedy Cuomo—maintain a high profile in political and social circles. Mariah and Cara, in particular, have been noted for their involvement in political campaigns and social activism, bringing a modern, Gen Z perspective to the enduring Kennedy political machine.

Maeve Kennedy McKean's Legacy of Service

Though tragically deceased in 2020, the life and work of Maeve Kennedy McKean (daughter of Kathleen Kennedy Townsend) remain a powerful example of the family’s commitment to human rights. Maeve was a public health and human rights lawyer who served as the executive director of the Georgetown University Global Health Initiative. She was also the mother of two of Ethel Kennedy’s great-grandchildren, Gideon Joseph Kennedy McKean and Josephine "Josie" Kennedy McKean, ensuring her legacy continues through the fourth generation.

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The Grandchildren in Media, Arts, and Activism

While politics is in their DNA, many of Ethel’s grandchildren have chosen to pursue careers in the creative industries, using their platform to champion causes and express themselves through film, art, and media. This diversification shows the family's ability to adapt and influence culture beyond the political sphere.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Children: The Pop Culture and Activism Blend

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) has six children, many of whom are in the public eye. They represent a blend of activism and pop culture prominence:

• Conor Kennedy: Known for his high-profile relationship with Taylor Swift, Conor maintains a presence in the media. His father's political run brought him back into the spotlight in recent years.
• Kathleen Alexandra "Kick" Kennedy: An actress and socialite, Kick has carved out a career in the entertainment industry, often attending high-profile events and using her visibility to promote social causes.
• Robert Francis "Bobby" Kennedy III: Bobby III is involved in environmental and social justice initiatives, continuing the work of his father and grandfather in a new context.
• Kyra Kennedy: Known for her presence in the fashion and social scenes, Kyra represents the younger generation’s embrace of modern media and celebrity culture.

The Filmmaker's Children

Rory Kennedy, Ethel’s youngest child and an acclaimed documentary filmmaker, has three children with her husband, Mark Bailey: Georgia Elizabeth Bailey, Bridget Katherine Bailey, and Zachary Corkland Bailey. These grandchildren are growing up with a focus on visual storytelling and social commentary, reflecting their mother’s dedication to documenting human rights issues globally.

The Enduring Kennedy Legacy and The Future

With 34 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, the sheer number of Ethel Kennedy’s descendants ensures the family’s continued relevance for generations to come. The collective narrative of this large, dynamic group is one of resilience and a deeply ingrained sense of responsibility, often referred to as the "Kennedy curse" or, more positively, the "Kennedy legacy."

The common thread running through the lives of Ethel’s grandchildren is the concept of public service. Whether through a formal political office like Joe Kennedy III, human rights work like Maeve Kennedy McKean, or documentary filmmaking like Rory Kennedy’s children, the expectation to "give back" remains a core family value instilled by their grandmother. Ethel Kennedy’s dedication to the RFK Human Rights organization is now primarily spearheaded by her daughter, Kerry Kennedy, but the grandchildren are increasingly involved in its various initiatives.

The challenges faced by this generation are unique. They operate in a hyper-connected, media-saturated world that scrutinizes every move. The family's commitment to causes like environmental protection (a major focus for RFK Jr.'s children) and social justice ensures that the spotlight will remain on them. They are the living embodiment of the Kennedy dynasty, navigating the complexities of a famous name while striving to make their own mark on the world. Their collective efforts prove that the legacy of Robert and Ethel Kennedy is not just a chapter in history, but a powerful, evolving force in 21st-century American life.