Title: Joan B. Kennedy, Former Wife of Ted Kennedy, Dies at 89

BOSTON — Joan B. Kennedy, the former wife of U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 89. She died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Boston, as confirmed by Steve Kerrigan, chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, who spoke on behalf of the family.

Joan, born Joan Bennett, was a model and classically trained pianist when she married Ted Kennedy in 1958. Their marriage lasted 24 years and produced three children: Kara, Ted Jr., and Patrick. Joan faced numerous challenges during her marriage, including family tragedies and her own battles with alcoholism and mental health issues.

The Kennedy family experienced significant turmoil during their time together. Joan's brother-in-law, John F. Kennedy, was elected president in 1960 and assassinated three years later. Another brother-in-law, Robert F. Kennedy, served as attorney general and was later elected to the Senate before being assassinated while campaigning for the presidency.

Ted Kennedy, despite initial skepticism about his political career, became a respected senator. However, he faced personal scandals, most notably the Chappaquiddick incident in 1969, where a car he was driving plunged off a bridge, resulting in the death of passenger Mary Jo Kopechne. Ted swam to safety but waited hours to report the accident, later pleading guilty to leaving the scene. This incident cast a long shadow over his political aspirations.

Joan endured the fallout from these events, including multiple miscarriages, one occurring shortly after the Chappaquiddick accident. Although she supported her husband during the scandal, their relationship deteriorated, leading to their separation during his unsuccessful bid against President Jimmy Carter in the 1980 Democratic primaries. They eventually divorced, with one campaign bumper sticker reading, "Vote for Jimmy Carter, Free Joan Kennedy."

Joan Kennedy was also known for her advocacy in mental health and addiction recovery. She was one of the first prominent women to openly discuss her struggles with alcoholism and depression, helping to reduce the stigma surrounding these issues in the 1970s. Her son Patrick Kennedy and his wife Amy released a statement highlighting her impact: "Her courage and candor helped break stigma and inspired others to seek help and healing. Her impact on the arts, mental health advocacy, her beloved Boston community, and the nation will be remembered by many."

Joan is survived by her two sons, Ted Jr. and Patrick, along with nine grandchildren, one great-grandchild, over 30 nieces and nephews, and a sister. Her daughter, Kara, passed away in 2011. Ted Jr. expressed admiration for his mother, stating, "I will always admire my mother for the way that she faced up to her challenges with grace, courage, humility, and honesty."

Patrick Kennedy added, "Besides being a loving mother, talented musician, and instrumental partner to my father as he launched his successful political career, Mom was a powerful example to millions of people with mental health conditions. She will be missed not just by the entire Kennedy Family, but by the arts community in the City of Boston and the many people whose lives that she touched."

John Williams, conductor laureate of the Boston Pops, also acknowledged her contributions to the classical music community, stating, "Joan was an accomplished pianist and possessed an impressive knowledge of the classical music repertoire. Her dedication to the Boston Pops Orchestra, and especially to the young people of Boston, will have a lasting impact. She will be greatly missed and will always be regarded as a member of our Boston Symphony Family."

Details regarding calling hours and the funeral service will be announced by the Carr Funeral Home.