The Kennedy family is in mourning following the death of Joan Kennedy, the first wife of Senator Edward M. “Ted” Kennedy, who passed away at age 89.

Joan Bennett Kennedy, married to the late senator for 22 years, endured a tumultuous relationship marked by personal and public challenges. She and Ted wed in 1958 after meeting through his sister, Jean Kennedy, while both were students at Manhattanville College. The couple had three children—Kara, Ted Jr., and Patrick—but their marriage ended in divorce in 1983.

A classical pianist with a master’s degree in education, Joan became known for her resilience amid struggles with alcoholism and depression. She publicly addressed these issues, advocating for sobriety and mental health awareness. Her son Ted Kennedy Jr. praised her courage, stating she “taught me how to be more truthful with myself.”

Joan, who died peacefully at her Boston home on October 8, was born in New York City in 1936. She is survived by her two sons, nine grandchildren, and 30 nieces. Her daughter, Kara, predeceased her in 2011.

The obituary published by GoLocalProv highlighted her quiet strength and the enduring legacy of a woman who navigated the complexities of life alongside one of America’s most prominent political families.