The first wife of the late U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, Joan Bennett Kennedy, has passed away at 89. She was remembered for her complicated legacy, marked by addiction, music, and political dynasty.
Dozens of Kennedy family members gathered in Boston to mourn her death at a Catholic Mass. Her grandson, Edward Kennedy III, stated:
It's no secret that she had a complicated life, you know, her troubles with alcohol. But for us, she was our grandmother.
Edward Kennedy III expressed gratitude to the city of Boston for supporting her as she rebuilt her life after her divorce from Ted Kennedy in 1982. The funeral was attended by hundreds, including former U.S. Congressman Joe Kennedy III and current U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who served as a pallbearer.
Author's summary: Joan Kennedy remembered for complicated legacy.