Joan Kennedy, the last surviving member of the Kennedy family’s Camelot days, has died.
Joanne, a former socialite and ex-wife of Senator Ted Kennedy, passed away on the morning of October 8, 2025, at the age of 89. According to an obituary published by GoLocalProv, Joan passed away peacefully at her home in Boston.
“I will always look up to my mother for the way she faced challenges with grace, courage, humility, and integrity. She taught me how to be more honest with myself and how powerful listening skills are to listen more carefully than to speak in public,” he said in a statement.
In honor of her life, let’s take a look back at some of Joan’s most fascinating throwback photos, from her wedding to her Ted and Camelot days and beyond.
the bride is coming
Bachrach/Getty
For her wedding to Ted in 1958, she chose a dress with lace trimmings and a matching veil.
Big win in Boston
betman/getty
From the podium at her campaign headquarters in Boston, she celebrated her husband’s victory in the 1962 Massachusetts Senate special election.
portrait of a pair
Michael Ochs Archive/Getty
After their win, Ted and Joan had their professional couple portraits taken.
in the crowd
Dominic Belletti/Gamma Raffo, via Getty
Stylish Joan often accompanied Ted on public appearances.
black tie formal
betman/getty
She had her hair done one night at the Metropolitan Opera for Maria Callas’ return to the stage.
wink wink
Paul Connell/Boston Globe via Getty
She sported a side-swept, voluminous hairstyle (and a cheeky wink) at the convention in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Dress up to make an impression
betman/getty
DC Joan wore a gorgeous Oscar de la Renta dress at the National Symphony Ball in Washington.
the appearance of the globe
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty
In January 1969, a few months before Ted’s Chappaquiddick scandal, the couple all dressed up for the Diamond Ball in New York City. The two had a rocky marriage for another ten years, separated in 1978, and finally divorced in 1983.
