The Brief

Joan Kennedy, the first wife of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, died Wednesday at the age of 89.

What they're saying:

Her family announced her death in a statement to the Associated Press, and a local obituary from her home in Boston was also published Wednesday.

"Mrs. Kennedy was a classically trained pianist, an advocate for mental health and addiction recovery, and a quiet pioneer in publicly addressing challenges with alcoholism and depression at a time when few others would," her son Patrick Kennedy and his wife Amy said in a statement.

"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," he said.

Marriage to

See Full Page