Joan Bennett Kennedy

First wife of Ted Kennedy

Virginia Joan Kennedy (née Bennett, born September 2, 1936) is an American socialite, singer, author, and former model. She was the first wife of U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy.[1]

Joan Kennedy
Joan Kennedy c. 1960s
Born
Virginia Joan Bennett

(1936-09-02) September 2, 1936 (age 87)
Manhattan, New York, U.S.
Alma materManhattanville College
Lesley University
Occupation(s)Musician, author, model
Known forFirst wife of Ted Kennedy
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse(s)
Ted Kennedy
(m. 1958; div. 1983)
ChildrenKara Kennedy
Ted Kennedy Jr.
Patrick J. Kennedy
Parent(s)Harry Wiggin Bennett Jr.
Virginia Joan Stead

In July 1969, Ted Kennedy was involved in a car accident at a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island in Massachusetts that resulted in the death of his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne.[2] Although pregnant and confined to bed in the wake of two previous miscarriages, Joan attended Kopechne's funeral. Three days later, she stood beside her husband in a local court when he pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident. She suffered a third miscarriage soon afterwards.[3]

In 1992, she published the book The Joy of Classical Music: A Guide for You and Your Family. Kennedy has worked with children's charities, remains an accomplished pianist and has taught classical music to children.[4]

References change

  1. Jacobs, Sally (May 25, 2008). "Kennedy, his children, and cancer". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2008-06-16.
  2. Bly, Nellie (1996). The Kennedy Men: Three Generations of Sex, Scandal and Secrets. Kensington Books, New York. p. 200. ISBN 1-57566-106-3.
  3. Taraborrelli, J. Randy (2000). Jackie, Ethel, Joan: Women of Camelot. Warner Books, New York. ISBN 0-446-52426-3.
  4. Staff writer (n.d.). "Joan Bennett Kennedy Biography (1936– )". The Biography Channel. Retrieved 2009-08-28.[permanent dead link]