Ethel Kennedy has been hospitalized following a stroke, her daughter Kerry Kennedy shared Tuesday.
Kerry wrote on social media that her mother, who turned 96 in April, “had a great summer and moved on to the fall. Every day he spent time with his children, nieces, nephews and great-grandchildren. He was able to get out on the water, visit the dock and enjoy numerous lunches and dinners with his family. It was a gift for all of us and for her too.”
Ethel had a stroke in her sleep last Thursday morning, Kerry wrote. “She was taken to an area hospital, where she is now receiving treatment. She feels comfortable, receives the best possible care and is surrounded by family. As you may know, she is a strong woman who has led an extraordinarily fulfilling life. We are here to take care of her.”
Kerry concluded her message by writing, “Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. I ask that you respect our family's privacy at this time.”
Ethel is the oldest living member of the Kennedy family. She is the widow of Robert F. Kennedy, sister-in-law of President John F. Kennedy, and mother of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently ended his presidential campaign and endorsed Donald Trump. Her daughter, Kerry, is the president of the Robert F. Kennedy Center of Justice and Human Rights, which Ethel founded in 1968 following her husband's assassination. Ethel received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama in 2014.