The Kennedy family stands as a towering figure in the landscape of American politics and society. For over a century, their name has been synonymous with power, public service, and philanthropy, yet also intertwined with a saga of personal tragedies and public scandals. From local city councils to the highest office of President of the United States, the Kennedys have left an indelible mark on American history, shaping policies and inspiring generations.
The allure of the Kennedy dynasty, often romanticized as a modern-day Camelot, continues to captivate the public imagination. This fascination stems not only from their political achievements but also from the dramatic narratives that have punctuated their journey. The assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the promising era cut short, and the subsequent tragedies that befell the family, have all contributed to a complex and compelling legacy.
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The Kennedy Family Tree. Getty
Currently, the family finds itself in the public eye once again, marked by internal conflicts as Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s controversial views and political stances have caused rifts within the family, highlighting the diverse and sometimes conflicting paths taken by different generations.
To understand the intricate web of relationships and the vast influence of this American dynasty, it’s essential to delve into the Kennedy family tree. Tracing back to its roots with patriarch Joseph P. Kennedy and matriarch Rose Fitzgerald, we uncover the lineage of nine children who spawned a political and social empire. This guide will explore the key figures in each generation, charting their paths and contributions to the enduring Kennedy legacy.
The Foundation: Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy
The modern Kennedy saga begins with Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. Their marriage in 1914 marked the union of ambition and political heritage, setting the stage for the dynasty to come. Joseph, a shrewd businessman and later diplomat, and Rose, daughter of Boston Mayor John F. Fitzgerald, instilled in their nine children a powerful drive for achievement and public service. Their offspring were:
- Joseph Patrick Kennedy Jr. (1915-1944): The eldest son, groomed for political leadership, tragically died in World War II.
- John F. Kennedy (1917-1963): The 35th President of the United States, his presidency defined an era and continues to inspire.
- Rosemary Kennedy (1918-2005): Her life was marked by developmental disabilities and a lobotomy, leading to Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s advocacy for the disabled.
- Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy (1920-1948): Known for her vivacious spirit and marriage into British aristocracy, she died in a plane crash.
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver (1921-2009): Founder of the Special Olympics, a champion for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
- Patricia Kennedy (1924-2006): Married actor Peter Lawford, involved in arts and philanthropy.
- Robert F. Kennedy Sr. (1925-1968): Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and presidential candidate, assassinated in 1968.
- Jean Kennedy Smith (1928-2020): U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, humanitarian, and advocate for people with disabilities.
- Edward “Ted” Moore Kennedy (1932-2009): Long-serving U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, a powerful figure in Democratic politics.
While John F. Kennedy’s presidency is often seen as the family’s political zenith, their involvement in politics predates his rise. Joseph P. Kennedy’s own career trajectory is noteworthy. His association with Franklin D. Roosevelt, starting from his time in the shipbuilding industry, led to his appointment as the first chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission and later as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
The political lineage extends even further back to Joseph’s father, P.J. Kennedy. P.J. Kennedy, an Irish immigrant and saloon owner, entered politics in his twenties, serving in the Massachusetts House of Representatives and later the State Senate. Although he eventually prioritized his business interests, his early political career laid the groundwork for the family’s future in public service.
The John F. Kennedy Branch: Camelot and its Descendants
John F. Kennedy, a figure of charisma and vision, married Jacqueline Bouvier in 1953. Their relationship and presidency became the embodiment of the “Camelot” era, a time of hope and progress in American consciousness. Their children, though few in number due to tragic losses, continued the Kennedy legacy in their own ways.
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John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy’s Family Tree. Getty
John and Jackie Kennedy had four children:
- Arabella Kennedy (stillborn, 1956): A daughter who was stillborn, a personal tragedy early in their marriage.
- Patrick Bouvier Kennedy (1963): Died shortly after birth, another profound loss for the young family.
- Caroline Kennedy (born 1957): Author, attorney, and diplomat, served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan and Australia.
- John F. Kennedy Jr. (1960-1999): Lawyer, magazine publisher, and cultural icon, died in a plane crash.
John F. Kennedy: The Presidential Legacy
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President John F. Kennedy at his desk in the White House on his first day in office as President of the United States. Bettmann
Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, John F. Kennedy’s path to the presidency was marked by academic excellence at Harvard, service in the Navy during World War II, and political ascent through the House of Representatives and the Senate. His election in 1960 marked a generational shift in American politics. His presidency, though tragically cut short by assassination in Dallas in 1963, is remembered for its emphasis on public service, the space race, and the burgeoning civil rights movement.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: First Lady and Icon
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Portrait of Jacqueline Kennedy. Getty
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, born Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, was more than just a First Lady; she was a cultural icon. Educated at Vassar and briefly a photojournalist, she brought style, grace, and a passion for the arts to the White House. Her ambitious restoration of the White House and her televised tour of the renovated mansion showcased her commitment to preserving American history and culture. After JFK’s assassination, she remarried to Aristotle Onassis, gaining the moniker “Jackie O,” and remained a figure of public fascination until her death from Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1994.
Caroline Kennedy: Diplomat and Continuing the Legacy
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Caroline Kennedy. Nathan Congleton/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty
Caroline Kennedy has carried the mantle of her parents’ legacy into the 21st century. Growing up in the White House and later experiencing personal tragedy, she forged her own path as an author, attorney, and diplomat. Her appointments as U.S. Ambassador to Japan and then to Australia under Presidents Obama and Biden, respectively, demonstrate her continued commitment to public service and international relations. Married to Edwin Schlossberg, she has three children: Rose, Tatiana, and John (Jack) Schlossberg, who represent the third generation of the JFK lineage.
John F. Kennedy Jr.: Icon of a Generation
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Mitchell Gerber/Corbis/VCG via Getty
John F. Kennedy Jr., often referred to as “John-John,” grew up in the public eye, capturing hearts with his youthful charm and inherent Kennedy charisma. After studying law, he co-founded George magazine, a politics-as-lifestyle publication that reflected his desire to engage a younger generation in political discourse. His marriage to Carolyn Bessette was highly publicized, and their tragic death in a plane crash in 1999, along with Carolyn’s sister Lauren Bessette, marked another devastating moment for the Kennedy family and the nation.
Jack Schlossberg: The Next Generation
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MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty
Jack Schlossberg, Caroline Kennedy’s son, represents the Kennedy family’s continued presence in the public sphere. A graduate of Yale and Harvard Law and Business Schools, he has shown an interest in public service, speaking at Democratic National Conventions and engaging in political activism. His focus on his grandfather’s legacy suggests a potential continuation of the Kennedy family’s political involvement in the years to come.
The Robert F. Kennedy Sr. Branch: Activism and Advocacy
Robert F. Kennedy Sr., brother of JFK, carved his own significant path in American politics as Attorney General and a passionate advocate for social justice. His marriage to Ethel Skakel produced eleven children, forming a large and influential branch of the Kennedy family tree deeply involved in politics, activism, and philanthropy.
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Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy’s Family Tree. Getty; AP Images
Robert and Ethel Kennedy’s eleven children are:
- Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (born 1951): Former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, involved in various non-profit and political initiatives.
- Joseph Patrick Kennedy II (born 1952): Former U.S. Representative from Massachusetts, founded Citizens Energy Corporation.
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (born 1954): Environmental lawyer, author, and controversial figure due to his anti-vaccine stance and political views.
- David Anthony Kennedy (1955-1984): Died of a drug overdose.
- Mary Courtney Kennedy Hill (1956-2020): Involved in human rights work.
- Michael LeMoyne Kennedy (1958-1997): Died in a skiing accident.
- Mary Kerry Kennedy (born 1959): President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, continuing her father’s human rights advocacy.
- Christopher George Kennedy (born 1963): Businessman, former Chairman of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.
- Matthew Maxwell Taylor Kennedy (born 1965): Author and human rights lawyer.
- Douglas Harriman Kennedy (born 1967): Journalist.
- Rory Elizabeth Kennedy (born 1968): Documentary filmmaker and human rights activist.
Robert F. Kennedy Sr.: A Legacy of Justice and Passion
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United States Attorney General Robert Kennedy working at his desk. Bettmann/ Getty
Robert F. Kennedy Sr., often called “Bobby,” served as Attorney General under his brother John and President Lyndon B. Johnson, becoming a powerful advocate for civil rights and social justice. He later became a U.S. Senator from New York and launched a presidential campaign in 1968, fueled by his commitment to addressing poverty and inequality. His assassination in 1968, like his brother’s, shook the nation and ended another promising Kennedy political career.
Ethel Kennedy: Matriarch and Philanthropist
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Ethel Kennedy attends the 2014 Robert F. Kennedy Ripple Of Hope Gala at New York Hilton on December 16, 2014 in New York City. Taylor Hill/Getty
Ethel Kennedy, née Skakel, raised her eleven children after her husband’s assassination, becoming a matriarch of the large Kennedy clan. She founded the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, a testament to her and her family’s enduring commitment to social change. Her life was marked by both personal loss and a dedication to continuing her husband’s ideals. She passed away in 2024 at the age of 96, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Controversy and Current Affairs
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Jason Mendez/Getty
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has followed a career path as an environmental lawyer, gaining recognition for his work on environmental issues. However, he has also become a controversial figure due to his vocal anti-vaccine activism and promotion of conspiracy theories, stances that have been publicly criticized by members of his own family. His recent political activities, including a brief independent presidential bid and endorsement of Donald Trump, have further placed him at odds with the mainstream Kennedy political tradition.
The Kennedy-Shriver Family: Special Olympics and Service
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, JFK’s sister, and her husband, Sargent Shriver, formed another politically and philanthropically active branch of the Kennedy family. Their marriage produced five children who have continued their parents’ dedication to public service and advocacy, most notably through the Special Olympics.
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The Kennedy-Shriver Family Tree. Getty
Eunice and Sargent Shriver’s children are:
- Robert “Bobby” Sargent Shriver III (born 1954): Lawyer and activist, involved in various social and political causes.
- Maria Owings Shriver (born 1955): Journalist, author, and advocate for women and Alzheimer’s awareness, former First Lady of California.
- Timothy Perry Shriver (born 1959): Chairman of the Special Olympics, continuing his mother’s legacy.
- Mark Kennedy Shriver (born 1964): Former Maryland State Delegate, involved in anti-poverty initiatives.
- Anthony Paul Shriver (born 1965): Founder of Best Buddies International, advocating for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver: Champion for the Disabled
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Eunice Kennedy Schriver during a Social Dinner in Honor of the Special Olympics on July 10, 2006 in Washington, DC. TIM SLOAN/AFP via Getty
Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s most enduring legacy is the creation of the Special Olympics. Motivated by her sister Rosemary’s experience and the societal mistreatment of individuals with intellectual disabilities, she and her husband Sargent founded the Special Olympics in 1968. This global movement has transformed the lives of millions, promoting inclusion and celebrating the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. Beyond the Special Olympics, Eunice was a dedicated advocate for social justice and human dignity.
Maria Shriver: Journalism, Advocacy, and Public Life
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Anna Moneymaker/Getty
Maria Shriver has forged a successful career as a journalist, author, and advocate. Her work in television news, including anchoring roles at CBS and NBC, established her as a prominent media figure. As former First Lady of California during Arnold Schwarzenegger’s governorship, she focused on issues affecting women and families. She has also been a leading voice in raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease, inspired by her father’s battle with the illness.
Conclusion: The Enduring Tapestry of the Kennedy Family
The Kennedy family tree is a rich and complex tapestry woven with threads of political ambition, public service, personal triumphs, and profound tragedies. From their immigrant roots to their prominent place on the world stage, the Kennedys have shaped American history and culture in significant ways. While individual members have followed diverse paths, often marked by both remarkable achievements and personal struggles, the Kennedy name continues to evoke a powerful legacy of leadership, public engagement, and an enduring commitment to making a difference. Exploring their family history offers a valuable lens through which to understand the evolving landscape of American politics and the ongoing influence of this iconic family.
