Many define America’s first family as the Kennedy family. Their history is intertwined with the nearest relation to American politics and social movements, which have touched generations through public service. Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. was the family patriarch, and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy his wife, gave birth to nine children who left an indelible mark upon the nation. Their descendants continue their legacy, many having sought careers in public service and advocacy. Joseph and Rose Kennedy’s children are:
- Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. (1915–1944): The oldest son; served in World War II; died in action.
- John F. Kennedy, JFK (1917–1963): 35th President of the United States; assassinated in 1963.
- Rose Marie “Rosemary” Kennedy (1918–2005): First daughter; noted for struggles with intellectual disability.
- Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy (1920–1948): Died in a plane crash in France.
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver (1921–2009): Founder of the Special Olympics and champion for people with intellectual disabilities.
- Patricia “Pat” Kennedy Lawford (1924–2006): Actress and socialite.
- Robert F. Kennedy (RFK) (1925–1968): U.S. Attorney General, later Senator from New York, assassinated during his run for president.
- Jean Kennedy Smith (1928–2020): Served as U.S. Ambassador to Ireland.
- Edward “Ted” Kennedy (1932–2009): Long-serving U.S. Senator championed healthcare and education reform.
Each one of them gave something back to the legacy of public service and activism built by their family in one way or another and shaped American politics for generations.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: His link with JFK
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was born on January 17, 1954, to Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel Kennedy. Consequently, being the sibling of John F. Kennedy, RFK was his younger brother; hence, RFK Jr. is the nephew of JFK. This is part of the family legacy in which Robert finds himself contributing significantly to American history.
Robert has continued his family’s legacy in environmental activism and public health policy, although somewhat controversially as he has been an outspoken opponent of vaccines. His position as a highly public member of the family continues the political legacy that his father and uncle created.
Children of John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, had four children:
- Arabella: A stillborn daughter born in 1956.
- Caroline Bouvier Kennedy: Caroline is the only surviving offspring of JFK and Jackie, born on November 27, 1957. She had an excellent career as an author, attorney, and diplomat.
- John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr.: Born on November 25, 1960, he was a lawyer and magazine publisher who died under tragic circumstances in a plane crash on July 16, 1999.
- Patrick Bouvier Kennedy: He was a premature birth on August 7, 1963, and lived just 39 hours.
To date, Caroline is the only living child of JFK.
Status of JFK’s children
The tragic death of John F. Kennedy Jr. added to the early deaths of Arabella and Patrick made Caroline the only survivor of JFK’s immediate family. Caroline has continued her family’s tradition in public life:
- She was U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 2013 to 2017 under President Barack Obama.
- Caroline has also performed numerous philanthropic work and written several books.
Her offspring, Rose, Tatiana and Jack, may be the Kennedys next wave that will serve to eclipse their family name even more.
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