Maria Shriver Bravely Shares Her Loss With a Heartbreaking Tribute

Joan B. Kennedy, the ex-wife of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, has died. She passed away on Wednesday, October 8,” ABC News reports. She was 89. 

Joan led an interesting life as a mother, a model, and a pianist. Many will miss her, including her niece, Maria Shriver (she is also the ex-wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger and mother to their four children). Shriver penned a beautiful tribute in honor of her aunt.

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Maria Shriver Shares Heartfelt Tribute 

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Joan married Ted in 1958 and had three children. She is survived by two of them after their daughter, Kara Kennedy, died on September 16, 2011. She was 51.

Shriver posted a throwback photo of Joan on Instagram on October 8. The black and white image shows Joan smiling as she poses with her hands tucked into the pockets of her jacket. In the caption, Shriver paid tribute to a woman who left a lasting impact on her. She also gave a glimpse into her life.

“My aunt, Joan Kennedy, mom to my cousins, Teddy and Patrick Kennedy, passed away this morning,” Shriver wrote. “Not only was she a mom, but she was a grandmother too. She was an accomplished pianist, an arts advocate, and a beautiful soul. She valiantly shared her struggle with addiction so that others could share theirs. She courageously shared what it was like to lose a child, get divorced from a famous man, and carry on. Her life was challenging, but she persevered.”

Shriver also shared her own memory of Joan and how she respected her. “As a young girl, I marveled at her grace, her beauty, her elegance. As a woman, I respected her grit, her resilience, her perseverance,” she wrote. “May her journey be peaceful, and may her children and grandchildren know they did a great job caring for her, respecting her privacy, and loving her. Sending love to all of them.”

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Fans Rally Around Maria Shriver 

Shriver’s fans have reacted to her tribute to her late aunt with an outpouring of love and condolences. 

“Maria you always have something nice to say! Bravo! So genuine,” a fan praised Shriver. “What a lovely tribute to your beautiful Aunt. May she rest in eternal peace,” another comment reads. 

Other reactions include, “What a gorgeous tribute for your beautiful Aunt. May she rest in peace,” “Or deepest condolences! Sending you much love,” and “Such a moving tribute. May her memory be a blessing. Love to you and the family.”

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