The Kennedys: America's Political Royalty And Their Legacy

The patriarch of the Kennedy political dynasty, Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. (1888-1969) was a prominent Irish-Catholic Democrat whose political ambitions were ultimately lived out through his sons John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, and Ted Kennedy. Outside of being a wealthy investor in real estate, alcohol, and entertainment, Kennedy briefly served as a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission chairman and an American ambassador to the U.K. Although he left a controversial legacy behind, he and his family are a testament to public service.

A staunch Catholic, matriarch Rose F. Kennedy (1890-1995) grew up in a wealthy and political Irish-American household. After a lengthy courtship with Joseph Kennedy Sr., which was partially due to her father's disdain for him, Rose married Kennedy in 1914 and the couple went on to have nine children. Before she died at the age of 104, Rose was honored with the rank of Papal countess by Pope Pius XII for her exemplary religious life and devotion to Catholicism.

After the tragic death of his older brother Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., John F. Kennedy (1917-1963) took up the political mantle for the next generation of Kennedys. A Harvard graduate, Kennedy later became a decorated Naval officer in World War II. After serving as a House member and Senator of Massachusetts, he reached the highest office in the land in 1961, becoming America’s youngest elected president at age 43.

As the wife of John F. Kennedy and the youngest first lady of the United States, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1929-1994) became an international fashion icon and transformed the White House through her various restoration projects. Known for her love of the arts, she helped shape the “Camelot Era” mythology. Following JFK’s assassination in Dallas, her blood-stained pink dress became a symbol of the tragedy.

As the seventh child of Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy followed in his brother JFK’s footsteps. He served in the Navy and graduated from Harvard, receiving his law degree from the University of Virginia. Under JFK's administration, he became the 64th United States Attorney General, known for fighting organized crime and advocating for civil rights.

Edward "Ted" Kennedy (1932-2009), the ninth and last child born to Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Kennedy, had a significant influence on American politics. He succeeded his brother John in the Senate and was elected eight more times. Despite facing political challenges, including the Chappaquiddick incident, he became known as the “Lion of the Senate,” advocating for social justice and health care reforms.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver (1921-2009), the fifth child of Joseph P. and Rose Kennedy, was deeply affected by her sister Rosemary's tragic story. After establishing the Special Olympics in 1968, she provided children with disabilities the opportunity to compete in athletics. Recognized for her impact, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her work.

Caroline Kennedy (b. 1957), the daughter of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy Onassis, has lived a life of relative privacy. She graduated from Harvard and served as U.S. ambassador to Japan from 2013 to 2017. Caroline continues to uphold her family's legacy while also raising her three children.

John F. Kennedy Jr. (1960-1999), the son of JFK, was known for his charisma and charm. He graduated from Brown University and later founded a magazine, George, that blended politics and entertainment. Tragically, his life was cut short in a plane crash that also claimed the lives of his wife and sister