• Joan Bennett Kennedy, former wife of Senator Ted Kennedy, died at 89.
• Her life was marked by personal struggles and contributions to the arts.
• She was an influential figure in the Kennedy political dynasty.
• Known for speaking openly about her battles with alcoholism.
• Her children include a U.S. congressman and a state senator.

Joan B. Kennedy, the former wife of U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy, passed away at the age of 89, having endured a tumultuous life influenced by personal struggles and family tragedies. She married Ted Kennedy in 1958 and faced significant challenges, including her husband's infidelities and her own battles with alcoholism and mental health issues. Her nephew, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced her peaceful death at her home in Boston, stating, “Joan inspired me with her courage and humility,” highlighting her influence and resilience, according to latimes and scmp.

Born Virginia Joan Bennett, she came from a wealthy Catholic family and was a classically-trained pianist. Throughout her marriage, she experienced numerous public tragedies, including the assassinations of her brother-in-law John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy. Joan struggled with several miscarriages, one of the most painful moments being after the Chappaquiddick incident, which shadowed Ted's career. Despite the hardships, she maintained a strong public presence and was known for her musical talents, which she shared at campaign events, as mentioned in reports by indiatimes and reuters.

During the mid-1970s, Joan became one of the first public figures to openly discuss her issues with alcoholism, which included several arrests for drunk driving. Though she separated from Ted, she continued to support him publicly, even during his unsuccessful presidential campaign in 1980. Their eventual divorce was marked by the poignant note from Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who expressed regret that Joan hadn’t left the marriage sooner, as cited in latimes and scmp.

In her later years, Joan returned to education, earning a master's degree and serving in roles that highlighted her commitment to the arts, such as her position with the Boston Cultural Council. Her legacy extends beyond her family into the broader community, as her son Patrick remarked, “She will be missed not just by the entire Kennedy Family, but by the arts community in the City of Boston,” emphasizing the impact she had throughout her life according to indiatimes and reuters.