Summary
Joan B. Kennedy, the former wife of the late U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy, died at age 89. She was known for her public discussions about mental health and addiction, which drew attention to these issues.
Key Facts
- Joan Kennedy was married to Senator Ted Kennedy from 1958 to 1982.
- She was the last surviving member of the Kennedy family era often referred to as "Camelot."
- She met Ted Kennedy in 1957 and they married in 1958.
- Joan Kennedy faced public struggles with alcoholism and mental health issues.
- She had three children: Kara, Ted Jr., and Patrick.
- Her son Ted Jr. served in the Connecticut state legislature and faced childhood cancer.
- Patrick Kennedy, her youngest son, had a long career in Congress representing Rhode Island.
