Every Kennedy family tragedy that has fueled rumors of a 'Kennedy curse'
This article explores the historical tragedies that have afflicted the Kennedy family across multiple generations, giving rise to the popular notion of a 'Kennedy curse.' It details various misfortunes, ranging from fatal accidents and assassinations to illness, and examines how the family's legacy persists despite profound losses.
Why it matters
The enduring public fascination with the 'Kennedy curse' highlights how families in the public eye manage generational trauma and how public mythologies form around famous political dynasties.
Joseph P. and Rose Kennedy surrounded by their children at a family gathering at their home in Palm Beach, Florida. CORBIS/Corbis/Getty Images After Robert and John F. Kennedy were assassinated, a rumor formed that the family could be cursed. Their history has been marred with tragedy, from four plane crashes to a deadly skiing accident. In 1969, Ted Kennedy publicly referenced the curse when apologizing for fleeing a fatal car crash. Members of the Kennedy family have reached the highest positions in public office, becoming senators, congressmen, and even the president. Now, the next generation of Kennedys is carrying that legacy forward. Still, the family has also endured profound losses across generations. Most recently, Kyle Kennedy, the granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, died at 42 in September. The family has also dealt with numerous tragedies , from illness and assassinations to fatal accidents and addiction.
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