Kennedy, Joan (1936–)

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Kennedy, Joan (1936–)

American socialite. Born Virginia Joan Bennett, Sept 5, 1936, in Riverdale, NY; dau. of Harry Wiggin (advertising executive) and Virginia Joan "Ginny" (Stead) Bennett; graduate of Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart, 1958; m. Edward "Ted" Kennedy (b. 1932, lawyer and US senator), Nov 29, 1958 (div. 1982); children: Kara Anne Kennedy (b. 1960); Edward "Teddy" Moore Kennedy Jr. (b. 1961); Patrick Joseph Kennedy (b. 1967). Ted Kennedy married 2nd wife, Victoria Reggie.

An accomplished pianist who modeled briefly, was active during husband's 1st run for senate (1962); embarked on a glamorous life as wife of a senator and sister-in-law of the president (1963); began feeling like an outsider among the highly competitive Kennedy clan; struck out on her own to successfully narrate "Peter and the Wolf" with National Symphony Washington and several other orchestras; after a number of Kennedy tragedies (1960s–70s), including assassinations, Chappaquiddick, and son's bout with cancer, showed a growing dependence on alcohol for which she eventually sought help.

See also David Lester, Joan: The Reluctant Kennedy (Funk, 1974); J. Randy Taraborrelli, Jackie, Ethel, Joan: Women of Camelot (Warner, 2000); and Women in World History.

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