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Joan Kennedy, first wife of Sen. Edward Kennedy, has died | CNN Politics
Joan B. Kennedy, the first wife of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, has died at 89, marking the end of a life intertwined with political legacy and personal struggles.
- Joan Bennett Kennedy passed away at the age of 89, confirmed by the chair of the Edward M. Kennedy Institute on Wednesday.
- Her marriage to Ted Kennedy was marked by significant family tragedies, including the deaths of their two sons and his highly publicized infidelities.
- Joan struggled with alcoholism and mental health issues for decades, which compounded the challenges she faced during her time in the public eye with the United States Senate.
Why It Matters
Joan B. Kennedys passing underscores the personal toll of political life, reflecting the complexities of the Kennedy familys legacy, including the struggles with alcoholism and mental health that are often overlooked in political narratives.