Joan Kennedy | |
---|---|
Born | Virginia Joan Bennett September 2, 1936 Manhattan, New York, U.S. |
Alma mater | Manhattanville College Lesley University |
Occupation(s) | Musician, author, model |
Known for | First wife of Ted Kennedy |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | |
Children | Kara Kennedy Ted Kennedy Jr. Patrick J. Kennedy |
Parent(s) | Harry Wiggin Bennett Jr. Virginia Joan Stead |
Virginia Joan Kennedy (née Bennett, born September 2, 1936) is an American socialite, singer, author, and former model. She was the first wife of U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy.[1]
In July 1969, Ted Kennedy was involved in a car accident at a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island in Massachusetts that resulted in the death of his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne.[2] Although pregnant and confined to bed in the wake of two previous miscarriages, Joan attended Kopechne's funeral. Three days later, she stood beside her husband in a local court when he pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident. She suffered a third miscarriage soon afterwards.[3]
In 1992, she published the book The Joy of Classical Music: A Guide for You and Your Family. Kennedy has worked with children's charities, remains an accomplished pianist and has taught classical music to children.[4]