Understanding Ethel Kennedy's Relationships with Jacqueline and Robert F. Kennedy

Ethel Kennedy had a deeply intertwined life with both Jacqueline and Robert F. Kennedy. Her relationships with these two iconic members of the Kennedy family were complex, marked by both affection and the intense public and family dynamics they faced.

Divided Bonds: Ethel Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy

Ethel and Jacqueline were more than mere acquaintances due to their family ties. They were sisters-in-law, as Ethel married Robert F. Kennedy, while Jacqueline was married to his brother, John F. Kennedy. Their early years were characterized by a close bond. Both women faced the immense pressures of public life and the significant roles they played. They supported each other through the tribunal of public scrutiny and garnered a mutual respect for one another.

However, as time progressed and the political landscape shifted, tensions began to surface. These tensions were particularly rooted in family dynamics and personal ambitions. Some notable differences between them were stark: Jacqueline had the status, the education, and her exquisite exotic beauty, which could sometimes irritate Ethel. Nonetheless, their bond remained more cordial than adversarial after Robert Kennedy’s assassination in 1968. The Kennedy family, including Jacqueline, later sent a round-robin letter expressing concern for Ethel, stating that it was disgraceful she could not afford a new roof. In a commendable display of charity, Jacqueline offered Ethel a new roof, which she subsequently provided.

Loves Intertwined: Ethel Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy

Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy shared a profound and passionate marriage. They were deeply committed to each other, their eleven children, and their extensive social causes. Their relationship, while marked by mutual love and support, was also affected by the intense political pressures they faced. Robert’s relentless pursuit of political ambitions and his role in the Kennedy family legacy subjected their marriage to considerable strain.

Ethel was a staunch supporter of her husband’s political dreams and remained deeply affected by his tragic assassination in 1968. According to RFK Jr., Ethel’s feelings for Robert F. Kennedy remained unwavering, even five and a half decades after his death, indicating a love that transcended time.

An Uneven Legacy

The Kennedy family’s relationships with Ethel and Jacqueline Kennedy, each complex and multifaceted, reveal the challenges of personal and professional life within one of the most scrutinized families of the 20th century. While Jacqueline’s love and support for Robert were widely acknowledged, Ethel often struggled with the public’s perception of her role within the family.

Ethel's story is one of deep love, sacrifice, and enduring affection. In the end, she is remembered not just for her connections to the Kennedys but also as an enduring symbol of unwavering commitment and loyalty within her family.

Her story sheds light on the struggles of keeping personal and professional life balanced in the shadow of one of the most powerful and influential families in American history.