published on March 10, 2024 in blog

Kennedy family tree: Who are the members?

THE KENNEDY family is one of the most prominent clans in the United States.

They have been involved in politics for generations, causing many to wonder more about the Kennedy family tree.

Who are the Kennedys?

The Kennedys are a high-profile family in the United States known for their long history in politics.

Most are members of the Democratic Party and have served in high-ranked positions.

Some Kennedys served as attorney generals, military members, and US ambassadors while others worked as lawyers.

One of the most prominent members of the family was John Fitzgerald Kennedy who often went by just his initials, JFK.

Who are the members of the Kennedy family?

The Kennedy family members include:

First Generation

Joseph Patrick Kennedy Sr. (1888-1969)

Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. was a businessman, investor, philanthropist, and politician.

He was born on September 6, 1888, in Boston, Massachusetts, and is known for his career as the former United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom.

Most read in The US Sun

Prior to his November 18, 1969, passing, he also served as the first chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and directed the Maritime Commission.

Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald (1890-1995)

Rose Elizabeth Fitzgerald was a philanthropist, socialite, and matriarch of the Kennedy family.

She was born on July 22, 1890, in Boston and is known for being the mother of nine Kennedy children.

During her marriage to Joseph Sr., she welcomed Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., John, Rosemary, Kathleen, Eunice, Patricia, Robert, Jean, and Edward.

"Children," she once said, "should be stimulated by their parents to see, touch, know, understand and appreciate."

Second Generation

Joseph Patrick Kennedy Jr. (1915-1944)

Joseph Patrick Kennedy Jr. was the eldest child of Joseph Sr. and Rose.

He was born on July 25, 1915, in Hull, Massachusetts, and served as a United States Navy lieutenant.

Tragically, he was killed on August 12, 1944, at the age of 29 while serving as a land-based patrol bomber pilot during World War II.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy Sr. (1917-1963)

JFK was the second child of Joseph Sr. and Rose.

He was born May 29, 1917, and is arguably best known for being the 35th president of the United States.

JFK died on November 22, 1963, after he was fatally shot by Lee Harvey Oswald while riding in a presidential motorcade through Dallas, Texas.

He was survived by his wife, Jacqueline, and their four kids.

Rosemary Kennedy (1918-2005)

Rosemary Kennedy was the eldest daughter of Joseph Sr. and Rose.

She was born on September 13, 1918, in Brookline, Massachusetts, and often referred to as the "hidden Kennedy."

Rosemary was not as well-known as her parents and siblings, because she was often kept out of the spotlight.

At the age of 23, she was left with the mental capacity of a toddler after a botched lobotomy that was ordered by her father.

As a result, she was placed at a Catholic facility for the mentally disabled in Jefferson, Wisconsin, according to PEOPLE.

Rosemary remained in Wisconsin up until her death on January 7, 2005. She was 86.

Kathleen Agnes Kennedy (1920-1948)

Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy was the fourth child of Joseph Sr. and Rose.

She was born on February 20, 1920, and is known for her career as an American socialite.

She would often travel the world with her parents and work as a writer.

In 1944, Kick married William Cavendish, the Marquess of Hartington, but tragically their marriage was short-lived because he died that same year while fighting in World War II.

Four years later, Kathleen died herself in a plane crash at the age of 28 with her "married lover," Earl Peter, the pilot.

Eunice Mary Kennedy (1921-2009)

Eunice Mary Kennedy Shriver is the fifth child of Joseph Sr. and Rose.

She was born on July 10, 1921, and is known for being the founder of the Special Olympics, a sports organization dedicated to athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Eunice was always a family woman and welcomed five children- Robert III, Maria, Timothy, Mark, and Anthony- with her husband, Sargent Shriver, the former United States Ambassador to France.

She passed away on August 11, 2009, at the age of 88 after having a stroke.

Patricia Helen Kennedy (1924-2006)

Patricia Helen Kennedy was the sixth child of Joseph Sr. and Rose.

She was born on May 6, 1924, and is known for being an American socialite.

In 1954, Patricia married "Rat Pack" actor Peter Lawford and went on to welcome four kids, Christopher, Sydney, Robin, and Victoria.

However, in 1966, she and Peter divorced and she never remarried.

Patricia passed away on September 17, 2006, at the age of 82 of pneumonia.

Robert Francis Kennedy Sr. (1925-1968)

Robert Francis Kennedy Sr., who often went by his initials, RFK, was the seventh child of Joseph Sr. and Rose.

He was born on November 20, 1925, and is known for his career as a lawyer and politician.

RFK served as the former United States Attorney General and went on to marry human rights advocate Ethel Skakel in 1950.

Together, they had 11 children.

RFK's life was ultimately cut short like his brother's on June 6, 1968, after he was assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan at the age of 42.

Jean Ann Kennedy (1928-2020)

Jean Ann Kennedy was the eighth child of Joseph Sr. and Rose.

She was born on February 20, 1928, and is known for her career as a diplomat, activist, humanitarian, and author.

She is best remembered for serving as the former United States Ambassador to Ireland.

Jean was also the mother of four kids- William, Stephen, Kym, and Amanda- whom she welcomed with her husband of 34 years, Stephen Edward Smith.

She later passed away on June 17, 2020, at the age of 92 from what were believed to be natural causes.

Edward Moore Kennedy Sr. (1932-2009)

Edward Moore Kennedy Sr. was the ninth child of Joseph Sr. and Rose.

He was born on February 22, 1932, and is known for his long-standing career in politics.

Edward became the third longest-serving member of the United States Senate in American history after voters in the state of Massachusetts elected him to the Senate nine times.

He married Victoria Reggie Kennedy and went on to have three children.

Third Generation

Caroline Kennedy (1957- )

Caroline Kennedy is the first child of JFK and Jacqueline.

She was born on November 27, 1957, and is known for her career as an author, attorney, and diplomat.

Since 2022, she has been serving as the United States Ambassador to Australia.

Prior to that, served in the Obama administration as the United States Ambassador to Japan.

Since 1986, Caroline has been married to designer Edwin Schlossberg, and together, they have three kids, John, Rose, and Tatiana.

John F. Kennedy Jr. (1960-1999)

John F. Kennedy Jr., who often went by John-John or JFK Jr., was the son of JFK and Jacqueline.

He was born on November 25, 1960, and like his father, became a lawyer, but he was also a journalist, and magazine publisher.

Tragically, he passed away on July 16, 1999, in a plane crash alongside his wife, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and sister-in-law Lauren Bessette at the age of 39.

Patrick Bouvier Kennedy (1963-1963)

Patrick Bouvier Kennedy was the third child of JFK and Jacqueline.

He was born on August 7, 1963, and died two days later from respiratory distress syndrome.

Eunice Mary Kennedy:

Robert Sargent Shriver III (1954- )

Bobby Shriver III is the eldest child of Eunice and Sargent.

He was born on April 28, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, and is known for his career as an activist, attorney, and journalist.

Since 2005, he has been married to Malissa Feruzzi, and together, they have two daughters.

Maria Shriver (1955- )

Maria Shriver is the only daughter of Eunice and Sargent.

She was born on November 6, 1955, and is known for her career as a journalist and author.

Maria also served as the former First Lady of California during her marriage to Hollywood star Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was the 38th governor of California from 2003 to 2011.

They tied the knot in 1986 but later divorced in 2021.

Prior to their split, they welcomed four children together, Katherine, Patrick, Christopher, and Christina.

Timothy Shriver (1959- )

Timothy Shriver is the third child of Eunice and Sargent.

He was born on August 29, 1959, and is known for his career as a disability rights activist, film producer, and former educator.

Since 1996, Timothy has been the Chairman of Special Olympics and he is also the founder of UNITE.

In 1986, he married Linda Potter, and together, they have welcomed five kids, Timothy Jr., Sophia, Samuel, Kathleen, and Caroline.

Mark Kennedy Shriver (1964- )

Mark Kennedy Shriver is the fourth child of Eunice and Sargent.

He was born on February 17, 1964, and is known for his career as a politician.

The Democratic party member previously served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for two consecutive terms, from 1995 to 2003.

Since 2014, he has also served as the President of Save the Children Action Network.

In 1992, he married Jeannie Ripp and together, they have three children, Tommy, Emma, and Mary.

Anthony Shriver (1965- )

Anthony Shriver is the youngest child of Eunice and Sargent.

He was born on July 20, 1965, and is known for his career as an activist.

He often advocates for people with intellectual disabilities, which is what inspired him to create Best Buddies International in 1989.

Best Buddies is an international organization that helps people with intellectual disabilities find employment and social opportunities.

Since 1993, he has been married to Alina Shriver; they have five children together.

Patricia Helen Kennedy:

Christopher Lawford (1955-2018)

Christopher Lawford was the first child of Peter and Patricia.

He was born on March 29, 1955, and is known for his career as an author, actor, and activist.

Tragically, he passed away on September 4, 2018, at the age of 63 after suffering a heart attack.

He was survived by his three children, whom he welcomed during his first marriage to Jeannie Olson.

Christopher was also married to Russian actress Lana Antonova from 2005 to 2009 and to Mercedes Miller from 2014 to 2016.

Sydney Maleia Kennedy Lawford (1956- )

Sydney Maleia Kennedy Lawford is the second child of Peter and Patricia.

She was born on August 25, 1956, and is known for her career in marketing.

In 1983, she married James McKelvey but it is not known if they have welcomed any kids.

Unlike her relatives, Sydney often stays out of the spotlight.

Victoria Francis Lawford (1958- )

Victoria Francis Lawford is the third child of Peter and Patricia.

She was born on November 4, 1958, and is known for her career as a television coordinator.

Like her sister, she also tends to stay out of the spotlight.

Not much is known about her life, but in 1987, she tied the knot with Robert Beebe Pender Jr.

Online records indicate that the pair have welcomed three children, Alexandra, Caroline, and Victoria.

Robin Elizabeth Lawford (1961- )

Robin Elizabeth Lawford is the youngest child of Peter and Patricia.

She was born on July 2, 1961, and often stays out of the spotlight.

At this time, information on Robin's personal life is not available.

Robert Francis Kennedy Sr:

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend (1951- )

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend is the eldest child of RFK and Ethel.

She was born on July 4, 1951, and is known for her career as an attorney.

Kathleen famously served as the sixth lieutenant governor of Maryland from 1995 to 2003, making her the state's first female lieutenant governor.

Since 1973, she has been married to David Lee Townsend and together, they have four children, Maeve, Meaghan, Kerry, and Rose.

Joseph P. Kennedy II (1952- )

Joseph P. Kennedy II is the second child of RFK and Ethel.

He was born on September 24, 1952, and is known for his career as a businessman and Democratic politician.

From 1987 to 1999, he served as a Representative for Massachusetts's eighth district.

Between 1979 and 1991, he was married to Sheila Brewster Rauch, during which time he welcomed two kids, Joe Kennedy III, and Matthew.

Then, in 1993, he married his current wife, Anne Elizabeth Kelly.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (1954- )

Robert Francis Kennedy Jr., who goes by his initials RFK Jr. is the third child of RFK and Ethel.

He was born on January 17, 1954, and is known for his career as an environmental lawyer, politician, and writer.

Over the years, RFK Jr. has expressed several controversial views on vaccines and the Covid-19 pandemic, and now, he's launching a 2024 presidential campaign based on conspiracy theories, according to NPR.

Standing beside him on the campaign trail is his wife of nine years, Cheryl Hines.

Prior to his marriage to Cheryl, he was married to Emily Ruth Black from 1982 to 1994, and to Mary Richardson from 1994 to 2012.

RFK Jr. is the father of five children, Conor, Bobby III, Aiden, William, Kathleen, and Kyra.

Courtney Kennedy Hill (1956- )

Courtney Kennedy Hill is the fourth child of RFK and Ethel.

She was born on September 9, 1956, in Boston.

Like her siblings, she often stays out of the spotlight so information on her personal life is unclear.

In 1997, Courtney and her then-husband, Paul Michael Hill, gave birth to daughter Saoirse Roisin Hill, but tragically, she passed away in 2019 at the age of 22 from an accidental overdose, according to PEOPLE.

David Kennedy (1955-1984)

David Kennedy was the fifth child of RFK and Ethel.

He was born on June 15, 1955, and is known for his career as an author and journalist.

David lived a very quiet life compared to his other relatives but like many, died at a young age.

He passed away on April 25, 1984, at the age of 28 from an overdose, according to The New York Times.

Michael LeMoyne Kennedy (1958-1997)

Michael LeMoyne Kennedy was the sixth child of RFK and Ethel.

He was born on February 27, 1958, and was known for his career as a lawyer, businessman, and activist.

Along with working as a lawyer, he also served as the manager of the non-profit organization Citizens Energy.

In 1981, he married Victoria Denise Gifford and together, they welcomed three kids, Michael Jr., Kyle, and Rory.

He died on December 31, 1997, at the age of 39 after suffering injuries in a skiing accident.

Kerry Kennedy (1959- )

Kerry Kennedy is the seventh child of RFK and Ethel.

She was born on September 8, 1959, and is known for her career as a lawyer, author, and human rights activist.

Between 1990 and 2005, she was also known for her high-profile marriage to former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Prior to their divorce, they welcomed three children, daughters Michaela, Mariah, and Cara.

Christopher Kennedy (1963- )

Christopher Kennedy is the eighth child of RFK and Ethel.

He was born on July 4, 1963, and is known for his career businessman and politician, and as the Chair of Joseph P. Kennedy Enterprises, Inc.

Since 1987, he has been married to Sheila Sinclair Kennedy and together, they have four children, Katherine, Christopher Jr., Clare, and Sarah.

Max Kennedy (1965- )

Max Kennedy is the ninth child of RFK and Ethel.

He was born on January 11, 1965, and is known for his career as a lawyer and author.

Since 1991, he has been married to Victoria Anne Strauss, and together, they have three children, Max Jr., Caroline, and Noah.

Douglas Harriman Kennedy (1967- )

Douglas Harriman Kennedy is the 10th child of RFK and Ethel.

He was born on March 24, 1967, and is known for his career as a journalist.

Since 1998, he has been married to Molly Elizabeth Stark, and together, they have five children.

Rory Kennedy (1968- )

Rory Kennedy is the 11th child of RFK and Ethel.

She was born on December 12, 1968, and is known for her career as a documentary filmmaker.

Over the years, her work has mostly focused on social issues, including addiction, nuclear radiation, the treatment of prisoners of war, and immigration.

Since 1999, she has been married to writer Mark Bailey, and together, they have three children, Georgia, Bridger, and Zachary.

Jean Ann Kennedy:

Stephen Edward Smith Jr. (1957- )

Stephen Edward Smith Jr. is the first child of Jean and Stephen.

He was born on June 28, 1957, and is known for his career as an attorney.

Over the years, Stephen has stayed out of the spotlight, so information on his personal life is unclear at this time.

William Kennedy Smith (1960- )

William Kennedy Smith is the second child of Jean and Stephen.

He was born on September 4, 1960, and is known for his career as a physician.

In 1991, he famously stood trial for rape, but after 77 minutes of deliberation, a jury in West Palm Beach, Florida, acquitted him, according to The Washington Post.

"I have an enormous debt to the system and to God, and I have a terrific faith in both of them," he said of the verdict.

"I'm just really, really happy.

"My life was in their hands," he continued, "I am so grateful."

Since 2011, he has been married to Anne Henry and together, they have two children, India and Stephen.

Amanda Mary Smith (1967- )

Amanda Mary Smith is the third child of Jean and Stephen.

She was born on April 30, 1967, but at this time, not much is known about her career or personal life.

Kym Smith (1972- )

Kym Smith is the fourth child of Jean and Stephen.

She was born on November 29, 1972, in Vietnam and later adopted by the Kennedy family.

Not much is known about Kym's life because she often stays out of the spotlight.

Edward "Ted" Kennedy Sr.:

Kara Kennedy (1960-2011)

Kara Kennedy was the first child of Ted and Joan.

She was born on February 27, 1960, and is known for her career as a television producer.

From 1990 to 2001, she was married to Michael Allen and together, they had two children, Max and Grace.

She later passed away on September 16, 2011, at the age of 51 after suffering a heart attack.

Edward Moore Kennedy Jr. (1961- )

Edward Moore Kennedy Jr. is the second child of Ted and Joan.

He was born on September 26, 1961, and is known for his career as a lawyer and politician at the New York City-based firm, Epstein Becker & Green.

Previously, he represented Connecticut's 12th State Senate district from 2015 to 2019.

Since 1993, he has been married to Katherine Anne Gershman and together, they have two children, Edward III, and Kiley.

Patrick Joseph Kennedy II (1967- )

Patrick Joseph Kennedy II is the third child of Ted and Joan.