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Joan Bennett Kennedy

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Joan Kennedy
Joan Kennedy in 1974
Born
Virginia Joan Bennett

(1936-09-02)September 2, 1936
Manhattan, New York, U.S.
DiedOctober 8, 2025(2025-10-08) (aged 89)
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Alma materManhattanville College
Lesley University
Occupation(s)Musician, author, model
Known forFirst wife of Ted Kennedy
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
(m. 1958; div. 1983)
ChildrenKara Kennedy
Ted Kennedy Jr.
Patrick J. Kennedy
Parent(s)Harry Wiggin Bennett Jr.
Virginia Joan Stead

Virginia Joan Kennedy (née Bennett; September 2, 1936 October 8, 2025) was an American socialite, singer, author, and model. She was the first wife of U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy.[1]

In July 1969, Ted Kennedy was involved in a car accident at a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island in Massachusetts that resulted in the death of his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne.[2] Although pregnant and confined to bed in the wake of two previous miscarriages, Joan attended Kopechne's funeral. Three days later, she stood beside her husband in a local court when he pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident. She suffered a third miscarriage soon afterwards.[3]

In 1992, she published the book The Joy of Classical Music: A Guide for You and Your Family. Kennedy worked with children's charities, was an accomplished pianist and taught classical music to children.[4]

Kennedy died at her home in Boston, Massachusetts on October 8, 2025, at the age of 89.[5]

References

[change | change source]
  1. Jacobs, Sally (May 25, 2008). "Kennedy, his children, and cancer". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
  2. Bly, Nellie (1996). The Kennedy Men: Three Generations of Sex, Scandal and Secrets. Kensington Books, New York. p. 200. ISBN 1-57566-106-3.
  3. Taraborrelli, J. Randy (2000). Jackie, Ethel, Joan: Women of Camelot. Warner Books, New York. ISBN 0-446-52426-3.
  4. Staff writer (n.d.). "Joan Bennett Kennedy Biography (1936– )". The Biography Channel. Retrieved 2009-08-28.[permanent dead link]
  5. McNeil, Liz (October 8, 2025). "Joan Kennedy, Former Wife of Sen. Ted Kennedy, Dies at 89". People. Retrieved October 8, 2025.