Ted Kennedy Wife: Who Were Joan Bennett Kennedy and Victoria Reggie Kennedy, and What Happened to His Marriages?

Former U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy was married twice during his lifetime, first to Joan Bennett Kennedy and later to Victoria Reggie Kennedy. Both women played important roles in his personal and political journey, although their marriages unfolded during very different periods of his life.

His first marriage to Joan lasted more than two decades and produced three children before ending in divorce in 1982. He married Victoria Reggie in 1992, and they remained together until his death in August 2009. Renewed interest in the Kennedy family followed Joan Bennett Kennedy’s death on October 8, 2025, at the age of 89.

Who Was Ted Kennedy’s First Wife Joan Bennett Kennedy?

Joan Bennett Kennedy was an American socialite, classical pianist and former model who became a prominent member of the Kennedy political family after marrying Ted Kennedy.

Born Virginia Joan Bennett on September 2, 1936, in Manhattan, New York, she grew up in a Catholic family and developed an early interest in music. She studied at Manhattanville College, where she became known for her musical abilities and social connections.

Joan met Ted Kennedy through family connections during the 1950s. At the time, he was a young member of one of America’s most influential political families, while his older brothers John F. Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy were building their political careers.

The couple married on November 29, 1958, in Bronxville, New York. Their wedding attracted considerable public attention because of the Kennedy family’s growing prominence.

As Ted entered national politics, Joan became a familiar presence at campaign events, official gatherings and family occasions.

Ted Kennedy and Joan Bennett Kennedy’s Marriage and Divorce

Ted and Joan Kennedy’s marriage began during a period of political optimism for the Kennedy family. However, their relationship faced increasing difficulties as Ted’s public responsibilities expanded.

In 1962, Ted Kennedy was elected to the United States Senate from Massachusetts, beginning a political career that would last nearly 47 years.

Joan supported her husband’s political ambitions while raising their children and managing the pressures associated with public life.

The couple also experienced major family tragedies, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963 and Senator Robert F. Kennedy in 1968.

Their marriage later became strained by personal difficulties, including Ted’s widely reported extramarital relationships and Joan’s struggles with alcohol dependency.

The 1969 Chappaquiddick incident, in which Mary Jo Kopechne died after a car driven by Ted Kennedy went off a bridge, intensified public scrutiny of the senator and his family.

Joan and Ted eventually separated in 1978. Their divorce was finalized in 1982, ending nearly 24 years of marriage.

Despite their separation, Joan remained connected to the Kennedy family through their children and shared history.

How Many Children Did Ted Kennedy Have With Joan Bennett Kennedy?

Ted Kennedy and Joan Bennett Kennedy had three children: Kara Kennedy, Edward M. Kennedy Jr. and Patrick J. Kennedy.

Kara Kennedy was born in 1960 and later worked in television production and public service. She became involved in several charitable initiatives before her death from a heart attack in September 2011 at the age of 51.

Edward M. Kennedy Jr., commonly known as Ted Kennedy Jr., was born in 1961. He survived bone cancer during childhood, which resulted in the amputation of his right leg. He later became an attorney, disability rights advocate and Connecticut state senator.

Patrick J. Kennedy was born in 1967 and followed his father into politics. He served in the Rhode Island House of Representatives before representing Rhode Island in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 2011.

Patrick has also become a prominent advocate for mental health care and addiction treatment, drawing on his personal experiences and legislative background.

Through their children, Ted and Joan Kennedy’s family legacy continues in politics, law, health advocacy and public service.

When Did Joan Bennett Kennedy Die?

Joan Bennett Kennedy died on October 8, 2025, at the age of 89.

Her death marked the passing of a woman who had witnessed some of the most significant moments in modern American political history.

During her years as Ted Kennedy’s wife, she experienced the excitement surrounding John F. Kennedy’s presidency, the tragedies that struck the Kennedy family and the demanding responsibilities of life alongside a prominent U.S. senator.

Although her marriage ended in divorce, Joan remained a recognizable figure associated with the Kennedy family’s history.

She was also remembered for her musical talent, personal resilience and willingness to speak publicly about her struggles with alcoholism.

Her life extended far beyond her former marriage, including years devoted to family, music and personal recovery.

Who Is Ted Kennedy’s Second Wife Victoria Reggie Kennedy?

Victoria Reggie Kennedy is an American attorney, diplomat and political activist who married Ted Kennedy on July 3, 1992.

Born Victoria Anne Reggie on February 26, 1954, in Crowley, Louisiana, she grew up in a politically connected family. Her father, Edmund Reggie, was a judge and banker who maintained longstanding connections with the Kennedy family.

Victoria earned her undergraduate degree from Tulane University’s Newcomb College and later completed her law degree at Tulane University Law School.

Before marrying Ted Kennedy, she worked as a corporate attorney, developing experience in financial and commercial law.

Victoria had previously been married to attorney Grier Raclin, with whom she shares two children, Curran and Caroline.

Her marriage to Ted Kennedy brought her into one of America’s most recognizable political families. Unlike his first marriage, which unfolded during the early years of his political career, his relationship with Victoria began when he was already an established senator.

Ted Kennedy and Victoria Reggie Kennedy’s Marriage

Ted Kennedy and Victoria Reggie married in a private ceremony in Virginia in July 1992. Their relationship was widely viewed as a stabilizing influence during the later years of his life.

Victoria became actively involved in her husband’s political and charitable activities while continuing her own professional and advocacy work.

She was particularly interested in children’s welfare, gun violence prevention and education. These interests complemented Ted Kennedy’s longstanding legislative work involving healthcare, civil rights and social programs.

Their marriage lasted 17 years, ending with Ted Kennedy’s death on August 25, 2009, at the age of 77.

Kennedy had been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in May 2008. Victoria remained closely involved in his care during his final illness.

Following his death, she continued supporting initiatives associated with his political legacy, including the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate.

Where Is Victoria Reggie Kennedy Now?

Victoria Reggie Kennedy, now 72, has continued working in public service and advocacy since her husband’s death.

She served as the United States Ambassador to Austria from January 2022 until January 2025 under President Joe Biden’s administration.

Her diplomatic appointment marked an important milestone in her career, allowing her to represent the United States internationally after decades of involvement in law, politics and nonprofit organizations.

Victoria has also supported initiatives focused on education, healthcare access, women’s empowerment and gun violence prevention.

Although she is frequently identified as Ted Kennedy’s widow, her professional accomplishments extend beyond her marriage to the late senator.

Ted Kennedy’s Two Marriages and Family Legacy

Ted Kennedy’s marriages to Joan Bennett Kennedy and Victoria Reggie Kennedy reflected two different chapters of his life.

Joan was part of his early political rise and shared the responsibility of raising their three children during some of the Kennedy family’s most difficult years. Their marriage ultimately ended after years of personal struggles and intense public scrutiny.

Victoria entered his life later and remained his partner through the final 17 years of his Senate career.

The two women also established identities beyond their marriages. Joan became known for her musical accomplishments and openness about addiction and mental health, while Victoria built a career in law, diplomacy and public advocacy.

With Joan Bennett Kennedy’s death in October 2025, renewed attention has turned to the lives of both women and their places in Kennedy family history.

Ted Kennedy remains remembered for his long Senate career, but his personal story also includes the experiences and contributions of the two women who shared different periods of his life.