Joan Bennett Kennedyfirst wife of the late senator of Massachusetts Edward M. Kennedy (Ted Kennedy), died in her home home in Boston today (08.10.2025), at the age of 89.
Kennedy, a music teacher specializing in classical piano and supporter of mental health and detox services, was married to Ted Kennedy, the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy, from 1958 to 1982.
Together they had three children: the late television producer, Kara Kennedy, former MP of Rhodes Island, Patrick Joseph Kennedy and former Connecticut Senator Edward M. Kennedy.
“Apart from being a loving mother, talented musician and an important collaborator of my father at the start of his successful career policy, Mom was a powerful example for millions of people with mental disorders. It will be missing not only throughout the Kennedy family, but also in the artistic community of the city of Boston and many people whose life touched life, “Patrick Kennedy said in a statement.
Joan, who was playing piano during the Kennedy election campaign, later acquired a master’s degree in music education from Lesley University. He had collaborated with orchestras around the world and has supported the need for artistic education for all primary and secondary education students.
He was also an active member of Boston’s local art organizations, such as the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Council for Boston’s Arts and Humanities.
“Joan was a renowned pianist and had an impressive knowledge of the classical music repertoire. Her dedication to Boston Pops Orchestra, and especially to the youth of Boston, will have a constant impact, “said John Williams, a Boston Pops maestro, in a statement. “We will be missing a lot and will always be considered a member of the Boston Symphony family,” he said.
Kennedy was also known for publicly recognizing her struggle with alcoholism and depression, something that few distinguished women in America did at that time.
He leaves two children behind Patrick and Ted Kennedy, 9 grandchildren, 1 great -grandchildren, over 30 nieces and nephews, and a sister, Kandi (Caddy) Macmarure, from Houston, Texas.