Joan Bennett Kennedy

Joan Bennett Kennedy
Kennedy in 1971
Born
Virginia Joan Bennett

(1936-09-02)September 2, 1936
DiedOctober 8, 2025(2025-10-08) (aged 89)
EducationManhattanville College (BA)
Lesley University (MA)
Political partyDemocratic
Spouse
(m. 1958; div. 1982)
Children

Virginia Joan Kennedy (née Bennett; September 2, 1936 – October 8, 2025) was an American socialite, author, and advocate. Kennedy was the first wife of U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy. In 1992, she published a guide to classical music and later became associated with mental health awareness, drawing public attention to addiction and recovery through her own experiences. Kennedy also worked as a classical pianist, performing at various public concerts.