BOSTON — Joan B. Kennedy, the former spouse of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, has died at age 89, leaving behind a legacy marked by personal struggles and significant contributions to mental health advocacy.
Originally Joan Bennett, she was a model and a classically-trained pianist before marrying Ted Kennedy in 1958. The trajectory of her life took a dramatic turn with the political ascensions and subsequent tragedies of her family, notably the assassinations of her brother-in-law John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy.
Ted Kennedy's election to the U.S. Senate made headlines, but his career was not without scandal. Most infamously, the 1969 Chappaquiddick incident, where a car driven by him resulted in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne, forever tainted his legacy and affected their marriage.
Throughout their troubled relationship, marked by family loss and personal challenges, Joan experienced miscarriages, including one following the Chappaquiddick tragedy. They were separated during Ted's unsuccessful campaign against President Jimmy Carter in 1980 and eventually divorced. A notable hallmark of that campaign was a bumper sticker calling for her liberation: 'Vote for Jimmy Carter, Free Joan Kennedy.'
Despite these challenges, Joan Kennedy emerged as a beacon for mental health and addiction recovery. Her son, Patrick Kennedy, expressed profound gratitude for her advocacy and courage at a time when discussing such issues was taboo.
'Mrs. Kennedy was a classically trained pianist, an advocate for mental health and addiction recovery, and a quiet pioneer in publicly addressing challenges with alcoholism and depression,' said Patrick and his wife Amy in a statement. 'Her courage and candor helped break stigma and inspired others to seek help and healing.'
Joan B. Kennedy's impact on the arts, her Boston community, and mental health advocacy will be remembered by many, reflecting her role as not just a figure in political history, but as a significant voice in societal healing challenges.
