Ted Kennedy and Joan Bennett on their wedding day, New York, November

Joan Kennedy: Life, Marriage & Challenges [Kennedy's First Wife]

Ted Kennedy and Joan Bennett on their wedding day, New York, November

By  Tomas Graham

Ever wondered about the woman who stood beside one of America's most influential senators during a tumultuous era? Virginia Joan Kennedy, more famously known as Joan Kennedy, is not just a footnote in history; she's a figure who navigated immense personal struggles under the relentless glare of public scrutiny. Her story is a complex tapestry woven with privilege, pain, and perseverance.

Born Virginia Joan Bennett on September 2, 1936, in Manhattan, New York, Joan's early life was steeped in the refined atmosphere of Bronxville, New York, where she grew up as the debutante daughter of Harry Wiggin Bennett Jr., a successful advertising executive. Her upbringing, punctuated by Catholic school education, seemed to pave the way for a life of societal grace and elegance. At 22, she embarked on a life-altering journey when she married Edward Moore Kennedy, then a law student at the University of Virginia School of Law in Charlottesville. This union catapulted her into the heart of American political royalty.

Joan Bennett Kennedy: Bio Data and Personal Information
Full Name Virginia Joan Kennedy (ne Bennett)
Nickname Joan Kennedy
Date of Birth September 2, 1936
Place of Birth Manhattan, New York, USA
Nationality American
Education Catholic Schools
Father Harry Wiggin Bennett Jr. (Advertising Executive, d. 1981)
Mother Regina (Jean) k
Marital Status Divorced (from Edward "Ted" Kennedy)
Spouse(s) Edward "Ted" Kennedy (m. 1958; div. 1983)
Children Kara Kennedy Allen (d. 2011), Edward Moore Kennedy Jr., Patrick J. Kennedy
Career & Professional Information
Occupation Socialite, Pianist, Author, Former Model, Actress
Known For Being the first wife of U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy
Notable Works Z Cars (1962), The Road Home (1994), Oh! What a Lovely War (1969)
Other Skills Musician (Pianist), Public Speaking
Website The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
Ted Kennedy and Joan Bennett on their wedding day, New York, November
Ted Kennedy and Joan Bennett on their wedding day, New York, November

Details

Joan Kennedy with her Steinway piano. News Photo Getty Images
Joan Kennedy with her Steinway piano. News Photo Getty Images

Details

Joan Kennedy during Opening of The Kennedy Center For The Performing
Joan Kennedy during Opening of The Kennedy Center For The Performing

Details

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