The Kennedy family is often called America’s royal family, and Senator Ted Kennedy, the longtime liberal lion of the Senate, was a central figure in that dynasty. While the public watched his long and influential political career, his personal life was built around his family. Ted Kennedy was a father to three children: Kara, Edward Jr., and Patrick. Together, they experienced the immense privileges and profound tragedies that seem to follow the Kennedys, each carving out their own path under the weight of a legendary name. Their stories are intertwined with love, personal challenges, and, for some, a continuation of the family’s commitment to public service.
The journey of Ted Kennedy’s kids reflects both the unique pressures of their birthright and their individual efforts to build meaningful lives on their own terms. From battles with health to forays into politics, their lives provide a glimpse into the next generation of this famous American family.
Meet the Kennedy Children
Ted Kennedy and his first wife, Joan Bennett Kennedy, had three kids together. Their eldest was a daughter named Kara Anne Kennedy. She was born in 1960 and pursued a career in film production, working for a time on documentaries for the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS). Kara faced significant health challenges throughout her life. Sadly, she passed away in 2011 at the age of 51.
The couple’s first son, Edward Moore Kennedy Jr., known as Ted Jr., was born in 1961. His childhood was marked by a serious health crisis. When he was just twelve years old, he was diagnosed with a bone cancer called osteosarcoma in his right leg. After chemotherapy failed to stop the cancer, his leg was amputated in 1973.
This difficult experience profoundly shaped his future, leading him to become a prominent advocate for people with disabilities. He grew up to become a lawyer and, for a time, a politician. He served as a Connecticut State Senator representing the 12th district from 2015 to 2019. Ted Jr. is married to Katherine “Kiki” Gershman, and they have two children: a daughter named Kiley and a son named Edward Moore Kennedy III.
The youngest of the three is Patrick J. Kennedy, born in 1967. Like his father and brother, Patrick entered the world of politics. He served as a U.S. Representative from Rhode Island from 1995 to 2011. Throughout his career and personal life, he has been a vocal and open advocate for mental health care and addiction treatment, sharing his own struggles with bipolar disorder and substance abuse to help reduce stigma. He has dedicated his post-Congress career to advancing mental health policy and research.
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A Family’s Resilience
The stories of Ted Kennedy’s children highlight themes of incredible resilience in the face of personal and public adversity. They have each navigated life in the spotlight while dealing with serious health issues, from cancer and addiction to mental health challenges. In doing so, they have often used their platform and personal experiences to help others, championing causes related to disability rights and health care.
While the Kennedy name comes with immense public expectation, Kara, Ted Jr., and Patrick have all demonstrated a strength that honors their family’s complex legacy. Their paths show a commitment to moving the family’s tradition of public service forward, not just through politics, but through advocacy and a dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.
