Ted Kennedy refused to let his troubled wife, Joan Bennett Kennedy, join Alcoholics Anonymous, RadarOnline.com can reveal, out of fear over how it would reflect on him and his political career.

The late Senator's first wife died peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, October 8, at the age of 89. Article continues below advertisement

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Forced to deal with philandering husband Ted's relentless affairs and abuse, Joan's drinking spiraled out of control. However, the Massachusetts senator forbade her from showing up for A.A. meetings because he feared her story would ruin his political career.

Joan's alcoholism was a closely-guarded secret within the Kennedy family – and Ted made sure it was kept that way.

"Almost everyone in the pol

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