Ethel Kennedy net worth is around $50 million, much of her wealth is attributed to family inheritance and investments. Ethel Kennedy, the widow of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, was an influential human rights advocate and philanthropist. Ethel’s wealth has been shaped by the Kennedy family legacy, including real estate holdings and various charitable endeavors.
Her work with the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights continues to promote her commitment to social justice and human rights. Over the years, her financial growth also involved her significant family assets and the wealth derived from her late husband’s estate. She remains a prominent figure within the Kennedy dynasty, contributing to causes that align with the values of her late husband and his family.
Ethel Kennedy Bio/Wiki
| Full Name | Ethel Skakel Kennedy |
| Date of Birth | April 11, 1928 |
| Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Irish-American |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Parents | George Skakel and Ann Brannack |
| Siblings | 6 siblings: Patricia, Ann, Georgeann, George Jr., James, Rushton |
| Spouse | Robert F. Kennedy (m. 1950 – d. 1968) |
| Children | 11 children: Kathleen, Mary Courtney, Mary Kerry, Rory, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Joseph, David, Christopher, Michael, Douglas, Max |
| Education | Greenwich Academy, Convent of the Sacred Heart, Manhattanville College |
| Occupation | Human Rights Advocate, Philanthropist, Former First Lady of the U.S. |
| Known For | Advocacy for human rights, the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, being the widow of Robert F. Kennedy |
| Net Worth | $50 million (as of 2025) |
| Awards | Presidential Medal of Freedom (2014), Robert F. Kennedy Medal (1981) |
| Famous Family Members | John F. Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (son running for U.S. president in 2024) |
| Notable Projects | Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, HBO Documentary “Ethel” |
| Cause of Death | N/A (still alive as of 2025) |
Who is Ethel Kennedy?
Ethel Kennedy is an American human rights advocate and widow of Senator Robert F. Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1968. She established the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights to continue her husband’s legacy.
Known for her activism and advocacy for social justice, she has worked extensively to promote racial equality, poverty reduction, and environmental protection. Ethel’s wealth has been significantly influenced by the Kennedy family’s extensive resources, and her active role in philanthropic endeavors has only amplified her impact.
Throughout her life, she has been celebrated for her strength, resilience, and tireless pursuit of a better world, which has earned her a Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014. Additionally, she remains an influential member of the Kennedy family, making contributions to various political and social causes.
Ethel Kennedy Early Life and Background
Ethel Kennedy was born as Ethel Skakel on April 11, 1928, in Chicago, Illinois. Raised in a Catholic household, she was the daughter of Ann Brannack and George Skakel, the latter being a businessman and founder of Great Lakes Carbon Corporation. Tragically, her father died in a plane crash in 1955.
She had six siblings, including Patricia, Ann, Georgeann, George Jr., James, and Rushton. Ethel graduated from Greenwich Academy and later attended Manhattanville College, where she met Jean Kennedy.
During college, Ethel also became acquainted with Robert F. Kennedy (Bobby), who later became her husband. After earning her degree, she went on to support the Kennedy political campaigns, including John F. Kennedy’s presidential run in 1960. Her background paved the way for a life of public service and social activism.
Ethel Kennedy Amazing Career and Achievements
After marrying Robert F. Kennedy in 1950, Ethel became deeply involved in his political career. She was his support system during his tenure as U.S. Attorney General and later as a Senator for New York. Following Bobby’s tragic death in 1968, Ethel dedicated herself to social justice by founding the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.
Her achievements include promoting racial equality, advocating for poverty alleviation, and supporting environmental protection initiatives. Ethel has been an active participant in political causes and has supported Democratic candidates, including Barack Obama.
In 2014, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama for her lifetime contributions to social justice and advocacy. Her life was also the subject of the HBO documentary “Ethel”, which earned several awards. She continues to be a respected figure in American history.
Ethel Kennedy Height, Weight, and Physical Appearance
| Category | Details |
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 130-140 lbs |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
Ethel Kennedy Relationship Status
Ethel Kennedy was married to Robert F. Kennedy from 1950 until his assassination in 1968. The couple had 11 children together, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is known for his advocacy on environmental issues and as a political figure. Tragically, Bobby was assassinated while campaigning for the 1968 presidential race, leaving Ethel a widow.
Despite her profound loss, Ethel never remarried, remaining dedicated to raising her children while continuing the activism she and Bobby had started together. She did, however, spend significant time with singer Andy Williams, a family friend, though the relationship never became romantic. Throughout her life, Ethel maintained a strong presence within the Kennedy family and remained devoted to charitable causes.
Ethel Kennedy Net Worth and Financial Growth
Ethel Kennedy’s net worth of $50 million is largely influenced by the inheritance from her late husband, Robert F. Kennedy, and the Kennedy family wealth. Following Bobby’s assassination, Ethel managed the family’s estate and investments, which included real estate holdings such as the Hickory Hill estate. Over the years, she has used her wealth to further her philanthropic work, particularly through the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.
Ethel’s involvement in fundraising events for Democratic candidates and her contributions to the Kennedy family legacy have solidified her place as one of the wealthiest members of the family. Her financial growth has also been bolstered by strategic investments and her family’s business interests, which continue to provide a solid foundation for her wealth.
Ethel Kennedy Net Worth from Inheritance and Family Wealth
Much of Ethel Kennedy’s net worth is tied to her inheritance from her late husband, Robert F. Kennedy, and the Kennedy family fortune. Robert’s estate, which included real estate properties, business investments, and various other assets, has contributed significantly to her wealth. Additionally, the Kennedy family’s legacy has played a major role in her financial stability.
Beyond her inheritance, Ethel’s wealth has been amplified by her strategic management of the family estate and investments. She also benefited from the Kennedy family’s philanthropic endeavors, which allowed her to expand her financial influence through the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. As a result, Ethel Kennedy’s net worth remains substantial, with assets connected to her family legacy and her own involvement in social causes.
Ethel Kennedy Net Worth from Philanthropy and Investments
Ethel Kennedy’s net worth has been notably shaped by her long-standing commitment to philanthropy and investments. After the tragic assassination of her husband, Robert F. Kennedy, Ethel channeled her resources into social justice through the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. As the chair of this organization, she has contributed significant financial resources to causes related to human rights, racial equality, poverty alleviation, and environmental protection.
Additionally, her strategic management of the Kennedy family estate and real estate holdings has allowed her wealth to grow. Through investments in land and business ventures, including her family’s legacy assets, she has maintained a stable financial foundation while furthering her humanitarian goals.
Ethel Kennedy Net Worth Compared to Other Kennedy Family Members
Ethel Kennedy’s net worth of $50 million positions her among the wealthier members of the Kennedy family. However, she ranks below some of her more prominent relatives, like John F. Kennedy Jr. and Caroline Kennedy, both of whom had higher wealth through their direct inheritance and public roles. In comparison to other family members, Ethel’s fortune is notable for its philanthropic nature rather than accumulated through political office or public business ventures.
While she has not amassed as much wealth as some family members, her wealth has been used primarily for social causes, aligning with the Kennedy family’s values of public service. Ethel’s wealth is tied to her ability to manage family assets, oversee philanthropic investments, and carry on the Kennedy legacy of political and social engagement.
Ethel Kennedy Net Worth and Luxury Lifestyle
Though Ethel Kennedy’s net worth of $50 million might be considered significant, her lifestyle remains relatively modest compared to other wealthy families. As a widow, Ethel has focused more on philanthropy than indulging in a luxurious lifestyle. However, she enjoys the benefits of her family’s wealth, including access to exclusive events and high-profile real estate properties.
One of her notable assets was the Hickory Hill estate, a home that was part of the Kennedy family’s properties and sold for $8.25 million in 2009. Ethel has also made appearances at prestigious fundraisers and gala events, although she maintains a low-key presence. Her wealth allows her to live comfortably, but her focus remains on the advancement of social justice and continuing her late husband’s work.
Ethel Kennedy Net Worth Future Financial Plans
Ethel Kennedy’s future financial plans are primarily driven by her continued dedication to human rights, philanthropy, and the legacy of her late husband, Robert F. Kennedy. While much of her wealth is tied to Kennedy family assets and philanthropic endeavors, it is likely that her focus will remain on the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights, ensuring its operations continue to thrive.
Ethel’s future financial strategies may involve further investments in real estate and businesses aligned with her charitable goals. Additionally, Ethel is expected to continue working closely with the Kennedy family to maintain the influence of the Kennedy political legacy. As for her personal assets, Ethel may choose to pass them down to her children, ensuring her wealth supports future generations of Kennedy advocates.
Ethel Kennedy on Social Media
| Platform | Username | Followers | Link |
| @ethelkennedy | 15K | Link | |
| @EthelKennedy | 6K | Link | |
| Ethel Kennedy | 25K | Link |
Fun Facts about Ethel Kennedy
- Ethel Kennedy has 11 children, one of whom, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is running for president in 2024.
- She was a close friend of singer Andy Williams, who escorted her to several events.
- Ethel was the subject of a Primetime Emmy-nominated HBO documentary, titled Ethel.
- She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014 for her work in social justice.
- Ethel was pregnant with her daughter, Rory, when her husband was assassinated.
- She was part of the Kennedy family that held political sway for decades, advocating for equality and justice.
- In 1962, Ethel and Bobby went on a goodwill tour to over a dozen countries as representatives of President JFK.
Ethel Kennedy Video and Images
Frequently Asked Questions about Ethel Kennedy Net Worth
What is Ethel Kennedy’s net worth? Ethel Kennedy’s net worth is estimated at around $50 million, largely influenced by her inheritance from her late husband, Robert F. Kennedy, and the Kennedy family wealth.
How did Ethel Kennedy make her wealth? Ethel Kennedy made her wealth through the inheritance of family assets, including real estate and Kennedy family investments. Her wealth has also been bolstered by her philanthropic efforts and the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.
What is Ethel Kennedy’s main source of income? Her main sources of income include family inheritance, strategic investments, and contributions from her philanthropic work with the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights.
Conclusion of Ethel Kennedy Net Worth
Ethel Kennedy’s net worth of $50 million reflects her deep connection to the Kennedy family legacy, with wealth stemming from both inheritance and philanthropic endeavors. As the widow of Robert F. Kennedy, she has dedicated her life to human rights advocacy and supporting the Kennedy family‘s commitment to social justice.
Ethel’s fortune continues to grow, bolstered by strategic investments and her continued work with the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. Her wealth may not place her at the top of the Kennedy family hierarchy, but her financial influence has been used to further a greater cause, making her one of the most respected figures in American philanthropy and political advocacy.
