The name Joan Kennedy often surfaces in searches about America’s most famous political dynasty, prompting many to ask about the life of Senator Ted Kennedy’s former wife. Known for her elegance and grace, Virginia Joan Kennedy was a glamorous figure thrust into the national spotlight, but her life was marked by immense personal tragedy and a well-documented battle with alcoholism. This article explores the story of Joan Kennedy, from her fairy-tale wedding to the immense pressures that defined her public and private life.
A Glamorous Entrance into a Political Dynasty
Virginia Joan Bennett married a young Ted Kennedy in 1958, becoming a key figure in the “Camelot” era. With her stunning looks, fashionable style, and talent as a classically trained pianist, she was a perfect partner for a charismatic politician on the rise. She campaigned tirelessly for her husband and her brothers-in-law, John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy, captivating the public with her poise.
The Weight of Tragedy and a Public Battle
Beneath the glamorous surface, Joan’s life was shadowed by unimaginable tragedy. She endured the assassinations of JFK and RFK, a serious plane crash with her husband, and the infamous 1969 Chappaquiddick incident, which she later revealed caused her to suffer a miscarriage.
The immense pressure and repeated grief took a profound toll. As reported over the years by outlets like the New York Times and the Daily Mail, Joan Kennedy began a long and difficult battle with alcoholism. Her struggle became public, offering a raw and painful glimpse into the private sorrows of the Kennedy family. Her marriage to Ted Kennedy ended in divorce in 1982.
Motherhood and the Loss of Kara Kennedy
Despite her personal struggles, Joan was a devoted mother to her three children: Kara, Ted Jr., and Patrick. She had a particularly close bond with her daughter, Kara Kennedy. Tragically, Kara was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2002. Although she recovered, she died suddenly of a heart attack in 2011 at the age of 51, a devastating loss for her mother.
Where Is Joan Kennedy Now?
Born in 1936, Joan Kennedy is now 89 years old as of 2025. She lives a quiet and private life in Boston, Massachusetts, close to her two surviving children and grandchildren. While she has continued to face health challenges, she remains a cherished matriarch within the Kennedy family, occasionally attending private family events.
Her life is a story of resilience—a woman who navigated the pinnacle of American power and the depths of personal despair, all under the relentless gaze of the public eye.