Prayers Are Pouring In For The Kennedy Family After Death Thursday

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The Kennedy family is in mourning on Thursday following the death of Ethel Kennedy, the wife of U.S. Senator Robert F. Kennedy and sister-in-law to John F. Kennedy.

"It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our mother, Ethel Kennedy," the family said in a statement. "She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week."

She was 96 years old.

"Along with a lifetime's work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly," Kerry Kennedy wrote in a post. "She was a devout Catholic and a daily communicant, and we are comforted in knowing she is reunited with the love of her life, our father, Robert F. Kennedy; her children David and Michael; her daughter-in-law Mary; her grandchildren Maeve and Saoirse; and her great-grandchildren Gideon and Josie."

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 24: U.S. President Barack Obama (L) presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Ethel Kennedy (R), widow of Robert F. Kennedy, during an East Room ceremony at the White House November 24, 2014 in Washington, DC. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation's highest civilian honor. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)

Alex Wong/Getty Images

Ethel and Robert married in 1945 and had their first child together five years later. The latter was later assassinated while running for president in 1968, which led Ethel to found the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights and begin life in service of others.

For her work, Kennedy was awarded in 2014 the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

"Ethel Kennedy was a dear friend with a passion for justice, an irrepressible spirit, and a great sense of humor," Obama posted on X. "She touched the lives of countless people around the world with her generosity and grace, and was an emblem of enduring faith and hope, even in the face of unimaginable grief. Michelle and I are thinking of the Kennedy family and all those who loved this extraordinary woman."

Countless others offered their prayers for the Kennedy family.

"96 years. A life managed to be well lived, now she's reunited with her beloved Robert along with the others no longer with us. Prayers and love to the Kennedy family. God speed, Ethel," one person said.

"I'm so sorry to learn the news of the passing of your mother, Mrs. Ethel Kennedy. May her memory forever live in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. My condolences to the entire Kennedy family," offered another.

Our thoughts are with the Kennedy family.

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