History of Ethel Kennedy in Timeline

Ethel Kennedy is a renowned human rights advocate and the widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Following her husband's assassination in 1968, she established the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights to carry on his legacy. Her dedication to social justice earned her the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014. As the oldest living member of the Kennedy family, her life intertwines with a significant chapter in American history.

April 11, 1928: Ethel Kennedy is born

Ethel Skakel was born on April 11, 1928.

September 1945: Ethel Skakel starts college at Manhattanville College

In September 1945, Ethel Skakel began her college education at Manhattanville College.

December 1945: Ethel Skakel meets Robert F. Kennedy

Ethel Skakel first met Robert F. Kennedy on a ski trip in December 1945.

1946: Ethel Skakel campaigns for John F. Kennedy

Ethel Skakel campaigned for John F. Kennedy during his 1946 congressional campaign.

1949: Ethel Skakel graduates from Manhattanville College

Ethel Skakel received her bachelor's degree from Manhattanville College in 1949.

February 1950: Ethel Skakel and Robert F. Kennedy become engaged

Ethel Skakel and Robert F. Kennedy became engaged in February 1950.

June 17, 1950: Ethel Skakel and Robert F. Kennedy marry

Ethel Skakel and Robert F. Kennedy were married on June 17, 1950.

1952: Ethel Kennedy supports John F. Kennedy's Senate campaign

Ethel Kennedy contributed to John F. Kennedy's 1952 Senate campaign.

1955: Ethel Kennedy's parents die in a plane crash

Ethel Kennedy's parents, George and Ann Skakel, died in a plane crash in 1955.

1956: The Kennedys purchase Hickory Hill

In 1956, Ethel and Robert Kennedy bought the Hickory Hill estate.

1960: John F. Kennedy wins the presidential election; Robert F. Kennedy becomes attorney general

John F. Kennedy won the presidential election in 1960, and he appointed Robert F. Kennedy as attorney general.

1962: Ethel and Robert Kennedy embark on a goodwill tour

Ethel and Robert Kennedy went on a 28-day goodwill tour to fourteen countries in 1962, representing the United States.

November 22, 1963: Assassination of John F. Kennedy

On November 22, 1963, Ethel Kennedy received the news of John F. Kennedy's assassination.

1964: Robert F. Kennedy wins a Senate seat

Robert F. Kennedy campaigned for and won a U.S. Senate seat representing New York in 1964, with Ethel's support.

June 5, 1968: Robert F. Kennedy is assassinated

Robert F. Kennedy was fatally shot on June 5, 1968, and died the following day.

1968: Ethel Kennedy establishes the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights

Ethel Kennedy founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights in 1968.

1968: Robert F. Kennedy is assassinated; Ethel Kennedy founds the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights

Ethel Kennedy's husband, Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1968. Following his death, she established the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.

1981: Ethel Kennedy Receives Robert F. Kennedy Medal

In 1981, Ethel Kennedy was honored with the Robert F. Kennedy medal by President Ronald Reagan in the White House Rose Garden, recognizing her contributions to society in the wake of her husband's legacy.

1984: David Kennedy dies

Ethel Kennedy's son, David, died from a drug overdose in 1984.

1987: Joseph P. Kennedy II begins serving in the U.S. House of Representatives

Ethel Kennedy's son, Joseph P. Kennedy II, began serving as a U.S. Representative in 1987.

1992: Ethel and Michael Kennedy appear on "Cheers"

Ethel Kennedy and her son, Michael, made a cameo appearance on the TV show "Cheers" in 1992.

1995: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend becomes lieutenant governor of Maryland

Ethel Kennedy's daughter, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, became lieutenant governor of Maryland in 1995.

1997: Michael Kennedy dies

Ethel Kennedy's son, Michael, was killed in a skiing accident in 1997.

1999: Joseph P. Kennedy II's time in the U.S. House of Representatives ends

Joseph P. Kennedy II concluded his time in the U.S. House of Representatives in 1999.

February 2001: Ethel Kennedy visits Rodolfo Montiel in jail and presents him with the Chico Mendes Award

Ethel Kennedy visited jailed activist Rodolfo Montiel in February 2001 and awarded him the Chico Mendes Award.

2003: Kathleen Kennedy Townsend's term as lieutenant governor ends

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend's term as lieutenant governor of Maryland ended in 2003.

June 2008: Ethel Kennedy hosts a fundraiser for Barack Obama

Ethel Kennedy held a fundraising dinner at Hickory Hill for Barack Obama in June 2008.

December 2009: Ethel Kennedy sells Hickory Hill

Ethel Kennedy sold her home, Hickory Hill, for $8.25 million in December 2009.

2012: Ethel Kennedy Documentary Release

In 2012, a documentary about Ethel Kennedy's life was released, directed by her youngest child, Rory. The film, titled "Ethel," documents her early political involvement, her life with Robert F. Kennedy, and her experience raising eleven children alone after his death. It includes interviews with Ethel and her children, alongside family videos and archival photos.

2013: Joseph Kennedy III starts serving in the U.S. House of Representatives

Ethel Kennedy's grandson, Joseph Kennedy III, became a member of the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013.

2014: Ethel Kennedy receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2014, Ethel Kennedy was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

2014: Ethel Kennedy Honored with Bridge Naming and Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2014, a bridge over the Anacostia River in Washington, D.C., was renamed the Ethel Kennedy Bridge, acknowledging her advocacy for environmental and social causes. Additionally, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama for her efforts in social justice, human rights, environmental protection, and poverty reduction.

March 2016: Ethel Kennedy participates in a march with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers

In March 2016, Ethel Kennedy marched with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers to support their efforts to improve wages for field workers.

September 2018: Kerry Kennedy is president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights

As of September 2018, Kerry Kennedy served as president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights.

2019: Ethel Kennedy's Residence and Faith

As of 2019, Ethel Kennedy resided at the Kennedy Compound in Massachusetts. She practiced Catholicism and regularly attended mass, reflecting her deep faith and connection to family traditions.