Joan Kennedy, Former Wife of Senator Ted Kennedy, Dies at 89

“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 at a time when few others would,” the couple said.

“Her courage and candor helped break stigma and inspired others to seek help and healing. Her impact on the arts, mental health advocacy, her beloved Boston community, and the nation will be remembered by many.”

Joan Bennett Kennedy was married to Ted Kennedy—often called the “Lion of the Senate”—for over two decades before their divorce in 1983. Their marriage drew widespread media attention, often shadowed by Ted’s infidelity and political controversies.

Throughout her life, Joan balanced the demands of public scrutiny with her own private struggles. She remained by her husband’s side during some of the most turbulent moments of his career, including the 1969 Chappaquiddick tragedy, when Ted Kennedy’s car plunged off a bridge, resulting in the death of passenger Mary Jo Kopechne.

Although Ted survived the crash and later pleaded guilty to leaving the scene, the incident cast a long shadow over both his career and their marriage.

By the late 1970s, Joan and Ted’s relationship had become increasingly strained. During Ted’s unsuccessful 1980 presidential primary challenge to President Jimmy Carter, their separation was already public knowledge. One campaign bumper sticker famously read: “Vote for Jimmy Carter, Free Joan Kennedy.”

Despite her struggles with alcoholism and the immense pressures of life in the public eye, Joan Kennedy built a legacy beyond politics. She dedicated much of her later life to advocacy for addiction recovery and mental health awareness, long before such topics were widely discussed.

Her love of music—she was an accomplished classical pianist—remained a source of comfort and expression throughout her life.

Joan Kennedy leaves behind three children and a lasting influence on both the Kennedy family and the broader conversations around mental health in America.