Joan Bennett Kennedy
First wife of Ted Kennedy / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Virginia Joan Kennedy (née Bennett, born September 2, 1936) is an American socialite, singer, author, and former model. She was the first wife of U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy.[1]
Joan Kennedy | |
|---|---|
 Joan Kennedy c. 1960s | |
| Born | Virginia Joan Bennett (1936-09-02) September 2, 1936 (age 87) Manhattan, New York, U.S. |
| Alma mater | Manhattanville College Lesley University |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, author, model |
| Known for | First wife of Ted Kennedy |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | Kara Kennedy Ted Kennedy Jr. Patrick J. Kennedy |
| Parent(s) | Harry Wiggin Bennett Jr. Virginia Joan Stead |
In July 1969, Ted Kennedy was involved in a car accident at a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island in Massachusetts that resulted in the death of his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne.[2] Although pregnant and confined to bed in the wake of two previous miscarriages, Joan attended Kopechne's funeral. Three days later, she stood beside her husband in a local court when he pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident. She suffered a third miscarriage soon afterwards.[3]
In 1992, she published the book The Joy of Classical Music: A Guide for You and Your Family. Kennedy has worked with children's charities, remains an accomplished pianist and has taught classical music to children.[4]