Ethel Kennedy faced unimaginable heartbreak throughout her life. Among the many tragedies she endured was the sudden loss of two of her sons. Take a closer look at the heartbreaking deaths of David and Michael Kennedy.
Ethel Kennedy, the wife of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, was a prominent figure in American history, known for her unwavering commitment to social justice and her strength in the face of family tragedies.
Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy boarding a plane for San Juan, Puerto Rico, in March 1966. | Source: Getty Images
Born into a political dynasty, she married into one of the most iconic American families. She and Robert raised 11 children, navigating both the highs of public service and the lows of personal loss.
Despite her remarkable resilience, Ethel was no stranger to heartache, having tragically lost two of her sons — David and Michael Kennedy — in sudden and devastating circumstances.
Ethel Kennedy at the Restore Ball in New York City on September 28, 1970. | Source: Getty Images
David, the fourth of Ethel’s children, led a life deeply affected by trauma. At just 13 years old, he witnessed the assassination of his father on live television, an event that haunted him for the rest of his life.
Despite his promising beginnings, the emotional toll of his father’s death led David down a path of addiction. On April 25, 1984, he was found dead in his hotel room in Palm Beach, Florida, at 28.
David and Chris Kennedy watching a tennis match with their cousin, Ted Kennedy Jr., on August 25, 1974. | Source: Getty Images
He had struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for many years, and while his cause of death wasn’t immediately clear, investigators eventually ruled out suicide.
There were ”no signs of foul play,” said Sergeant Henry L. Marchman, spokesman for the Police Department of Palm Beach. The results of a preliminary autopsy tonight were being studied, as officials suspected it was an accidental overdose.
David Kennedy at the Democratic National Convention on July 15, 1976, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
David, who resided in Boston, traveled to Palm Beach to visit his grandmother, Rose Kennedy, who was in poor health. His body was discovered by a hotel secretary, Elizabeth Barnett, around 11:30 a.m. after a family member called to check if he had left for his flight.
When there was no response from his room phone, the hotel staff were instructed to investigate, according to hotel spokesman Gerald H. Beebe Jr.
David Kennedy in New York in 1984. | Source: Getty Images
The spokesman noted that hotel staff had seen David the previous Tuesday, describing him as being in good spirits. A desk clerk even recalled him waving as he passed the front desk.
David’s uncle, Senator Edward Kennedy, reflected on his nephew’s troubled life, stating, “We all pray that David has finally found the peace that he did not find in life.” The Kennedy family were no strangers to tragedy and mourned deeply, but the heartbreak did not end there.
Members of the Kennedy family escorted by Ethel Kennedy carrying the casket of David Kennedy from the hearse to the Kennedy House on May 4, 1984. | Source: Getty Images
Thirteen years later, in 1997, another devastating blow struck Ethel when her son Michael died in a skiing accident. Known for his adventurous spirit, Michael was skiing in Aspen, Colorado, when he collided with a tree, resulting in his immediate death at 39.
Michael Kennedy and Vicky Gifford at Attorney Roy Cohn’s birthday party in New York City on February 22, 1981. | Source: Getty Images
Michael had faced controversy in the years leading up to his death due to an alleged affair with the family’s babysitter. The scandal even affected his brother Joseph P. Kennedy II’s political aspirations.
Step into the royal mansion of Kris Jenner, 68, and husband Corey Gamble, 43, in California’s six-bedroom, eight-bathroom home where they live out the rest of their lives with love
Mady Dahlstrom works as a content editor for the home remodeling website Porch.com. Take a look at her tweets.
It’s difficult to keep up with the Kardashians, but one designer rose to the occasion by completely renovating Kris Jenner’s six-bedroom, eight-bathroom Hidden Hills, California home. Interior designer Jeff Andrews, who has built the homes of Kourtney, Khloe, and most recently, Kylie, brought Jenner’s concept of a chic yet sophisticated family base camp to life. Andrews’ work is dripping with old Hollywood elegance and richly sumptuous decor. Andrews created what Jenner refers to as “livable glamour,” which allowed her ideal house to become a reality.
Is it true that one house can fit all? The Kardashian-Jenner residence was intended to be a family gathering place, as they have six children and four (soon to be five!) grandkids. “Kris is a fantastic chef, and having a large family meant that the kitchen needed to be both aesthetically pleasing and functional for entertaining,” adds Andrews.The Kardashian-Jenner home is ideal for opulent living, from the glistening crystal chandeliers over the formal dining table to the master bathtub where everything glamorous and beautiful happens.View Photos of Kris Jenner’s House in the Hidden Hills
This spectacular entrance is just another example of how the creator of the reality TV series Keeping Up with the Kardashians never fails to create an impression. Sophisticated Hollywood elegance is exuded by the vintage modern chandelier, multiple staircases, and a black and white checkered floor.
In her family-style kitchen, Jenner prepares classic Kardashian-Jenner family recipes from her cookbook In the Kitchen with Kris ($22; amazon.com). Dedicated to providing food for her expanding family consisting of children, grandchildren, friends, and even her ex-partners, the kitchen features numerous islands and ample countertop space ideal for large gatherings.
The perfect hostess, Jenner added her own unique touches to her dining table. Andrews explains, “Kris had several chandeliers strewn all over the house, so I grouped three of my favorites above the dining table in a subtle, glamorous way.”
According to Andrews, “livability is, to me, having rooms that are loved, used, and visually appealing, but also rooms that you want to be in.” We would love to spend time in the Kardashian-Jenner home’s living room, which has luxurious furnishings and a huge antique fireplace!
Being a “momager” has its challenges, so this working mother manages her time well with her chic workspace. “Her office needed to be both functional and a reflection of her personality because she uses it every day for meetings and as her personal space,” adds Andrews.
A high-class closet is necessary for a high-profile lifestyle. Jenner’s wardrobe boasts a mirrored center island, patterned ceiling, and specific storage shelves with a Birkin to match every blazer—it has plenty space to hold more shoes than we could ever want.
With a focus on a limited color scheme that includes black, white, gray, and a dash of neutral and metallic colors, Andrews claims that “everything works together in harmony.” The main bedroom exudes sophisticated glamor, adorned with cashmere, rich wools, and silk. “Kris enjoys opulent, incredibly tactile, and well-made items,” he continues. “Her house exudes her personality everywhere.”
Jenner has a cosmetics, clothing, and glam area in her master bathroom. The master bathroom, one of the main focus areas for the renovation, strikes a mix between style and utility.
Although even the busiest families find time to unwind, Jenner’s garden is well-known for much more. Jenner’s patio was designed to entertain, as seen by her 58th birthday celebration held there and her yearly, lavish Christmas party.
Leave a Reply