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Ethel Kennedy Makes Rare Appearance in Family Photo from 96th Birthday Celebration

Ethel’s grandson — Joseph Kennedy III — called her "the world's most amazing Gramma" as he shared the snap on social media

<p>Joe Kennedy/X</p> Ethel Kennedy (pictured in white) surrounded by her loved ones on her 96th birthday

Joe Kennedy/X

Ethel Kennedy (pictured in white) surrounded by her loved ones on her 96th birthday

Ethel Kennedy, the widow of late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, was surrounded by her nearest and dearest on her 96th birthday.

On Thursday, April 11, Ethel’s grandson — Joseph Kennedy III, the son of Ethel’s son Joseph Kennedy II  — shared a photo of her celebrations on X (formerly known as Twitter) with the caption, “Happy 96th to the World’s most amazing Gramma!! 🎂.”

Ethel was joined by a large number of her loved ones as she celebrated her special day, including her son, third-party presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Cheryl Hines.

The human rights advocate can be seen dressed in white and standing at the foot of the staircase in the photo. Meanwhile, a round table laden with flowers, food and bottles of red and white wine was also sitting in front of the guests.

Related: Kerry Kennedy Shares Childhood Photo with Dad RFK as She Marks Anniversary of His Assassination

Ethel’s celebrations come after her daughter Kerry Kennedy marked her mom’s birthday earlier in the day.

Honoring her mother on social media, Kerry, 64, shared a video montage on X accompanied by Taylor Swift's 2012 song "Starlight," which was inspired by Ethel and RFK's love story.

"Today is my mom's 96th birthday!" Kerry wrote. "To celebrate her, please listen to this great song that @taylorswift13 wrote about my parents!"

Mike Coppola/Getty Ethel Kennedy (Left) and Kerry Kennedy (Right)
Mike Coppola/Getty Ethel Kennedy (Left) and Kerry Kennedy (Right)

Related: Kennedys Celebrate Matriarch Ethel's 94th Birthday with Throwback Photos

The couple married in 1950 and shared 11 children. RFK was assassinated in 1968 while Ethel was pregnant with their daughter Rory.

Kerry then went on to share her pride at Ethel’s career, writing, "My mother founded @RFKHumanRights in the fall of 1969 to carry forth my father’s legacy. For more than half a century, my mom has been a champion for justice, standing with human rights defenders around the globe."

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"Her courage and dedication to #HumanRights motivate our team every day," she continued, "inspiring us to hold governments accountable, promote human rights education and #YouthOrganizing, advance #dignity and #equality in workplaces and investment communities, and uplift grassroots changemakers."

"Happy birthday to the greatest mom I could ever imagine!" Kerry, who is now the President of RFK Human Rights, added.

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