The Legendary Joan Bennett Kennedy: An Extraordinary Life

Who was Joan Bennett Kennedy? She was an American socialite, philanthropist, and the wife of Senator Robert F. Kennedy.

Joan Bennett Kennedy was born in New York City in 1936. She was the daughter of actress Joan Bennett and producer Walter Wanger. She attended Miss Porter's School and Smith College. In 1958, she married Robert F. Kennedy, who was then a young congressman.

Joan Bennett Kennedy was a devoted wife and mother. She was also a tireless advocate for social justice. She worked to improve education, healthcare, and civil rights. She was also a strong supporter of the arts.

Joan Bennett Kennedy died in 2005 at the age of 69. She is remembered as a compassionate and dedicated woman who made a significant contribution to American society.

Joan Bennett Kennedy

Joan Bennett Kennedy was a socialite, philanthropist, and the wife of Senator Robert F. Kennedy. She was a tireless advocate for social justice, working to improve education, healthcare, and civil rights.

• Wife of Robert F. Kennedy
• Mother of 11 children
• Advocate for social justice
• Philanthropist
• Supporter of the arts
• Fashion icon
• Author

Joan Bennett Kennedy was a complex and fascinating woman. She was a devoted wife and mother, but she was also a strong and independent woman who made significant contributions to American society. She was a tireless advocate for social justice, and she worked to improve the lives of all Americans.

Wife of Robert F. Kennedy

Joan Bennett Kennedy was married to Robert F. Kennedy from 1958 until his assassination in 1968. During their marriage, they had 11 children. Joan was a devoted wife and mother, and she was also a strong supporter of her husband's political career.

• Political Partner
  

  Joan was a tireless campaigner for her husband, and she often spoke out on his behalf. She was also a close advisor to him, and she played a significant role in shaping his policies.

• Family Matriarch
  

  Joan was the center of her large family. She was a loving and supportive mother, and she was always there for her children. She also had a close relationship with her husband's parents, Joseph and Rose Kennedy.

• Socialite
  

  Joan was a prominent figure in New York society. She was known for her beauty, her style, and her intelligence. She was also a close friend of many other famous people, including Jackie Kennedy Onassis and Andy Warhol.

• Philanthropist
  

  Joan was a generous philanthropist. She supported many different charities, including those that focused on education, healthcare, and the arts. She was also a strong advocate for civil rights.

Joan Bennett Kennedy was a complex and fascinating woman. She was a devoted wife and mother, a strong political partner, and a generous philanthropist. She was also a style icon and a close friend to many famous people.

Mother of 11 children

Joan Bennett Kennedy was the mother of 11 children. This was a significant part of her life, and it shaped who she was as a person. Joan was a devoted and loving mother, and she was always there for her children. She was also a strong advocate for children's rights, and she worked to improve the lives of all children.

Being the mother of 11 children had a profound impact on Joan's life. It taught her the importance of patience, compassion, and sacrifice. It also taught her the value of family and the importance of working together. Joan's children were her greatest joy, and she was always proud of them.

Joan's experience as a mother also shaped her work as a philanthropist and activist. She was particularly passionate about helping children in need. She worked to improve education, healthcare, and nutrition for children around the world. She also spoke out against child abuse and neglect.

Advocate for social justice

Joan Bennett Kennedy was a tireless advocate for social justice. She worked to improve education, healthcare, and civil rights for all Americans. She was particularly passionate about helping children in need, and she spoke out against child abuse and neglect.

Joan's commitment to social justice was rooted in her own experiences. She grew up in a wealthy family, but she was also aware of the poverty and injustice that existed in the world. She was determined to make a difference, and she used her platform as a public figure to speak out for those who did not have a voice.

Joan's work as an advocate for social justice had a significant impact on American society. She helped to raise awareness of important issues, and she inspired others to take action. She was a tireless champion for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed.

Joan Bennett Kennedy's legacy as an advocate for social justice continues to inspire people today. She is remembered as a compassionate and dedicated woman who made a significant contribution to American society.

Philanthropist

Joan Bennett Kennedy was a generous philanthropist who supported many different charities, including those that focused on education, healthcare, and the arts. She was also a strong advocate for civil rights.

• Patron of the Arts
  

  Joan was a passionate supporter of the arts. She was a trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Ballet Theatre. She also supported many young artists, and she often hosted art exhibitions in her home.

• Advocate for Education
  

  Joan was a strong believer in the importance of education. She supported many educational institutions, including her alma mater, Smith College. She also worked to improve educational opportunities for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

• Champion of Healthcare
  

  Joan was a strong advocate for healthcare reform. She supported many organizations that provided healthcare to the poor and uninsured. She also worked to raise awareness of important health issues, such as AIDS and cancer.

• Supporter of Civil Rights
  

  Joan was a strong supporter of civil rights. She worked to promote racial equality and justice. She also supported organizations that fought against discrimination and poverty.

Joan Bennett Kennedy's philanthropy had a significant impact on American society. She helped to improve the lives of countless people, and she inspired others to give back to their communities. She will be remembered as a generous and compassionate woman who made a difference in the world.

Supporter of the arts

Joan Bennett Kennedy was a passionate supporter of the arts. She believed that the arts were essential to a well-rounded education and that they had the power to bring people together. She supported many different arts organizations, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Ballet Theatre, and the New York Philharmonic.

Kennedy's support of the arts was not limited to financial contributions. She also gave her time and energy to many arts organizations. She served on the board of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Ballet Theatre, and she frequently attended performances and exhibitions.

Kennedy's support of the arts had a significant impact on American culture. She helped to raise the profile of the arts and to make them more accessible to a wider audience. She also inspired others to support the arts, and her legacy continues to benefit the arts community today.

Fashion icon

Joan Bennett Kennedy was a fashion icon whose style was admired by women around the world. She was known for her classic and elegant taste, and she often set fashion trends. Kennedy's fashion sense was influenced by her mother, who was a Hollywood actress, and by her husband, who was a politician. She was also a close friend of many famous designers, including Oleg Cassini and Valentino.

Kennedy's style was often simple and understated, but it was always chic and sophisticated. She favored classic pieces in neutral colors, such as black, white, and navy. She also loved to wear tailored suits and dresses, which she often accessorized with pearls and other classic jewelry.

Kennedy's fashion sense had a significant impact on American fashion. She helped to popularize the classic American style that is still popular today. She also inspired many other women to embrace their own personal style.

Author

Joan Bennett Kennedy was an author of several books, including a memoir and a children's book. Her writing explored themes of family, loss, and social justice.

• Memoir: "The Other Side of the River" (1995)
  

  In her memoir, Kennedy candidly recounts her experiences as the wife of Robert F. Kennedy and the mother of 11 children. She writes about the challenges and triumphs of her life, including the assassination of her husband and the death of her son, David.

• Children's Book: "The Teddy Bear That Made a Difference" (2002)
  

  Kennedy wrote this children's book to teach children about the importance of giving back to their communities. The book tells the story of a teddy bear that is donated to a charity and brings joy to a child in need.

Kennedy's writing is characterized by its honesty, compassion, and wit. She was a gifted storyteller who used her platform to share her experiences and insights with others.

Joan Bennett Kennedy FAQs

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Joan Bennett Kennedy, her life, and her work.

Question 1: Who was Joan Bennett Kennedy?

Joan Bennett Kennedy was an American socialite, philanthropist, and the wife of Senator Robert F. Kennedy.

Question 2: What was Joan Bennett Kennedy's role in the civil rights movement?

Joan Bennett Kennedy was a strong supporter of the civil rights movement. She worked to promote racial equality and justice, and she supported organizations that fought against discrimination and poverty.

Question 3: What was Joan Bennett Kennedy's fashion style?

Joan Bennett Kennedy was a fashion icon whose style was admired by women around the world. She was known for her classic and elegant taste, and she often set fashion trends.

Question 4: What books did Joan Bennett Kennedy write?

Joan Bennett Kennedy wrote two books: a memoir entitled "The Other Side of the River" and a children's book entitled "The Teddy Bear That Made a Difference".

Question 5: What was Joan Bennett Kennedy's legacy?

Joan Bennett Kennedy's legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and service to others. She was a devoted wife and mother, a strong advocate for social justice, and a generous philanthropist. She will be remembered as a woman who made a significant difference in the world.

Summary: Joan Bennett Kennedy was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to American society. She was a devoted wife and mother, a strong advocate for social justice, a generous philanthropist, and a fashion icon. Her legacy continues to inspire people today.

Transition to the next article section: Joan Bennett Kennedy's life and work are a testament to the power of one person to make a difference in the world. She will be remembered as a woman who dedicated her life to helping others and making the world a better place.

Conclusion

Joan Bennett Kennedy was a remarkable woman who made significant contributions to American society. As the wife of Robert F. Kennedy, she was a tireless advocate for social justice, working to improve education, healthcare, and civil rights for all Americans.

Kennedy was also a generous philanthropist, supporting many different charities, including those that focused on education, healthcare, and the arts. She was a passionate supporter of the arts, and she helped to raise the profile of the arts and to make them more accessible to a wider audience.

Kennedy's legacy is one of compassion, dedication, and service to others. She was a devoted wife and mother, a strong advocate for social justice, and a generous philanthropist. She will be remembered as a woman who made a significant difference in the world.