Joan Bennett Kennedy, who was the first wife of Sen. Ted Kennedy, passed away in the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 8 at the age of 89. She was a classical pianist, music teacher, and advocate for mental health and addiction.
Joan died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Boston, her obituary on GoLocalProv stated.
Joan and Ted Kennedy married in 1958, but divorced in 1982. She is survived by her two children, Ted Kennedy, Jr and Patrick J. Kennedy, along with 9 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild, over 30 nieces and nephews, and a sister, Candace McMurrey. Her daughter Kara passed away in 2011.
Patrick Kennedy and Ted Kennedy Jr. Pays Tribute To Joan Kennedy
The state Democratic Party released a statement, announcing the news of Joan’s passing. And with that, it included two statements from her surviving children, Ted Kennedy Jr. and Patrick Kennedy.
âI will always admire my mother for the way that she faced up to her challenges with grace, courage, humility, and honesty,â Ted Kennedy Jr. said. âShe taught me how to be more truthful with myself and how careful listening is a more powerful communication skill than public speaking.â
âBesides being a loving mother, talented musician, and instrumental partner to my father as he launched his successful political career, Mom was a powerful example to millions of people with mental health conditions,â Patrick Kennedy said. âShe will be missed not just by the entire Kennedy family, but by the arts community in the city of Boston and the many people whose lives that she touched.â
The Conductor Laureate of the Boston Pops, John Williams, also paid tribute to Joan Kennedy.
“Joan was an accomplished pianist and possessed an impressive knowledge of the classical music repertoire. Her dedication to the Boston Pops Orchestra, and especially to the young people of Boston, will have a lasting impact. She will be greatly missed and will always be regarded as a member of our Boston Symphony Family,â Williams said.
More About Joan Kennedy
Joan Kennedy was married to Sen. Ted Kennedy for 24 years. She used her love for the piano to help campaign for the Kennedys, opening their political rallies by playing for the crowd.
Joan was one of âthe first prominent women in Americaâ to speak about her struggles with alcoholism and depression in 1970s.
Following her divorce from Senator Kennedy in 1982, she moved to Boston and pursued her Master’s Degree in Musical Education from Lesley University. Joan went on to become a music teacher, along with being active in the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Council for the Arts and Humanities. She also published a book titled “The Joy of Classical Music,” in 1992.
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