Who Is Joan Bennett Kennedy? Age, Biography and Wiki
Joan Bennett Kennedy was born on September 2, 1936, making her 88 years old as of 2025. An esteemed American socialite, she has made headlines throughout her life not just for her connections but also for her resilience and style. The daughter of the renowned businessman and politician, Joseph P. Kennedy, and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, she grew up in a world of privilege and public attention. Her Wikipedia page offers a detailed look at her life, family legacy, and contributions.
| Occupation | Politician |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 2, 1936 |
| Age | 88 Years |
| Birth Place | New York City, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Joan Bennett Kennedy's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Joan stands at an impressive height of 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 m) and weighs approximately 130 pounds (59 kg). Throughout the years, she has maintained a graceful and poised appearance, often noted for her classic fashion sense. Although specific body measurements are rarely documented, her timeless style continues to inspire many.
Kennedy's later years have been shaped by chronic alcoholism, which developed during her marriage. The alcohol problem escalated with sporadic, uneven sobriety, repeated drunk-driving arrests, court-ordered rehabilitation, and a return to drinking. This ultimately led to kidney damage, with the possibility of dialysis and protracted complications.
In July 2004, her son, Ted Jr., was appointed her legal guardian; in 2005, her children were granted temporary guardianship. That year she was hospitalized with a concussion and a broken shoulder after being found lying in a Boston street near her home. In 2005, she requested that her second cousin, financial planner Webster E.
Janssen of Connecticut, establish a trust to control her estate. This was in violation of her sons' guardianship. Her children later took successful legal action against Janssen, removing him as trustee and later filing a complaint against him with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
That October, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery. She agreed to strict court-ordered guardianship and her estate has since been placed in a new trust overseen by two court-appointed trustees.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Joan Bennett Kennedy was famously married to U.S. Senator Edward M. Kennedy from 1958 until their divorce in 1982. Together, they had three children, who have carried on their family's legacy. In 2025, Joan is reportedly in a supportive relationship, focusing on her family and her personal interests. With a history marked by both love and challenge, her journey through relationships has garnered public fascination.
She was raised in a Roman Catholic family in suburban Bronxville, New York. Her parents were Virginia Joan Stead (1911–1976) and Harry Wiggin Bennett Jr. (1907-1981) Her father was a graduate of Cornell University and worked as an advertising executive. She grew up with one younger sister, Candace ("Candy"), born 1938.
She attended Manhattanville College (then a Sacred Heart college), in Purchase, New York. Manhattanville was also the alma mater of her future mother-in-law Rose Kennedy and future sisters-in-law Jean Kennedy Smith and Ethel Skakel Kennedy. In 1982, Bennett received an MA in Education from Lesley College, now known as Lesley University.
As a teenager, she worked as a model in television advertising.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Joan Bennett Kennedy's estimated net worth stands at around $10 million. This wealth stems from various sources, including her family’s substantial assets, investments, and ventures in philanthropy. Her earnings over the years have not only allowed her to enjoy a life of comfort but have also enabled her to give back to the community through charitable causes she holds dear.
Career, Business and Investments
While Joan has primarily been recognized for her socialite status, she has also engaged in various endeavors throughout her life. She has been involved in charitable organizations, focusing on women's rights and mental health awareness. Her business ventures include investments in real estate and partnerships in local philanthropic projects, showcasing her commitment to social causes alongside her personal growth.
Social Network
Joan maintains a low profile on social media compared to other celebrities, yet she occasionally shares glimpses of her life through family updates and charity events on platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Her reserved approach to social networking reflects her preference for privacy, which is respected by her many followers who admire her legacy and contributions.
Education
Joan Bennett Kennedy attended the prestigious schools throughout her youth, honing her skills and intellect. She graduated from the College of Saint Rose, after which she continued to enrich her education through various workshops and seminars focused on social issues. This educational background has shaped her perspectives and driven her passion for advocacy and philanthropy.
In October 1957, at the dedication of a gymnasium at Manhattanville College in memory of another Kennedy sister, Kathleen – who had died in a plane crash in France in 1948 – Jean Kennedy Smith introduced Joan to her younger brother Edward (a.k.a. Ted), then a student at the University of Virginia School of Law in Charlottesville.
The couple became engaged quickly and Joan grew nervous about marrying someone she did not know well. Joe Kennedy insisted that the wedding should proceed, and they were married on November 29, 1958, in Bronxville, New York. The small family wedding was held just a few weeks after Ted's older brother U.S. Senator John F.
Kennedy won his landslide re-election for his United States Senate seat representing Massachusetts in 1958. Joan had three children with Ted Kennedy: Kara Kennedy (1960–2011), Edward M. Kennedy Jr. (Ted Jr.) (b. 1961), and Patrick J. Kennedy (b. 1967).
