Ethel Kennedy’s name is synonymous with the legacy of the Kennedy family. But beyond her role as Robert F. Kennedy’s wife, she amassed a considerable fortune over the years.
How did she accumulate wealth, and what were her major financial assets?
This article breaks down her financial journey, investments, and influence.
Ethel Kennedy Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Ethel Skakel Kennedy |
| Popular Name | Ethel Kennedy |
| Birth Date | April 11, 1928 |
| Age | Passed away at 96 (October 10, 2024) |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Irish, Dutch |
| Education | Manhattanville College (Bachelor’s, 1949) |
| Marital Status | Widowed |
| Spouse | Robert F. Kennedy (m. 1950–1968) |
| Children | 11 (including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Joseph P. Kennedy II) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | Rushton Walter Skakel, Patricia Sistine Skakel, Georgeann Skakel, Ann Skakel, James Skakel, George Skakel Jr. |
| Parents | George Skakel, Ann Brannack |
| Height | 1.63 m |
| Net Worth | $50 million |
| Source of Wealth | Human rights advocacy, Kennedy family wealth, real estate |
What is the Net Worth of Ethel Kennedy in 2025?
Ethel Kennedy had an estimated net worth of $50 million. Her fortune primarily came from family wealth, real estate holdings, and human rights advocacy. Compared to other Kennedys, she had substantial assets but wasn’t among the wealthiest in the family.
Despite her financial stability, Ethel’s fortune was modest compared to high-profile billionaires. However, her influence extended beyond wealth, focusing on philanthropy and social justice. If you’re interested in other influential figures, check out this list of the wealthiest public figures.
Related Figures
- Robert F. Kennedy
- John F. Kennedy
- Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Joseph P. Kennedy II
- Barack Obama
- Andy Williams
- Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
- Kennedy family
- Great Lakes Carbon Corporation
- Manhattanville College
Ethel Kennedy Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Did She Accumulate Wealth?
Ethel Kennedy’s wealth came from multiple sources. She was born into the wealthy Skakel family, whose fortune stemmed from Great Lakes Carbon Corporation, a successful business venture. Her marriage to Robert F. Kennedy connected her to the influential Kennedy family, one of America’s most financially powerful dynasties.
After Robert Kennedy’s assassination, Ethel played a key role in managing the family’s wealth while also dedicating her resources to philanthropy. Unlike some of her contemporaries, she didn’t actively pursue business ventures, instead relying on inherited wealth and assets.
What Were Her Major Financial Assets?
Ethel’s primary financial assets included real estate and investments tied to the Kennedy family. She co-owned and later sold Hickory Hill, the Virginia estate she and Robert F. Kennedy purchased from John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. This estate, once valued at $25 million, was eventually sold for $8.25 million in 2009.
She also had a stake in the Kennedy Compound in Massachusetts, a property associated with the family’s history. While her investments weren’t widely publicized, her financial backing of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights showcased her strategic asset management.
How Did She Manage Her Finances?
Ethel Kennedy wasn’t just a passive recipient of wealth; she actively shaped financial decisions impacting her family. Managing the estate after Robert’s death, she ensured financial security for her 11 children. She was known for maintaining the Kennedy family’s tradition of philanthropy, directing significant funds to social causes.
Despite her substantial wealth, she lived relatively modestly compared to other high-profile figures. Rather than expanding her fortune through aggressive investments, she prioritized legacy-building initiatives like funding legal aid and human rights campaigns.
What Was the Financial Value of Her Properties?
The most valuable property linked to Ethel Kennedy was Hickory Hill, which was a hub for political gatherings. Originally purchased from John and Jacqueline Kennedy, it was listed for $25 million in 2004 but later sold for $8.25 million in 2009.
She also maintained residences within the Kennedy Compound, a property deeply tied to the family’s legacy. This estate, located in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, remains one of the most recognizable pieces of Kennedy real estate.
Did She Inherit Wealth?
Yes, Ethel Kennedy inherited wealth from her Skakel family. Her father, George Skakel, was a successful businessman whose company, Great Lakes Carbon Corporation, contributed significantly to the family fortune. This inheritance provided a strong financial foundation even before she married into the Kennedy dynasty.
After Robert Kennedy’s passing, Ethel inherited additional assets linked to the Kennedy estate. However, much of the wealth was allocated toward maintaining the family’s political and philanthropic influence.
How Did She Contribute to Philanthropy?
Ethel Kennedy’s most significant financial contribution was the founding of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, a non-profit organization committed to social justice. The organization supports racial equality, economic fairness, and environmental protection.
She was also involved in various fundraising events, including hosting a $28,500-a-plate dinner for Barack Obama in 2008. Her financial contributions weren’t limited to politics—she actively supported farmworker rights, as seen in her involvement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers.
What Was Her Financial Influence on the Kennedy Family?
Ethel Kennedy played a pivotal role in preserving the Kennedy legacy. Through careful financial management, she ensured her children, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., had the resources to continue their careers in politics and advocacy.
She also served as a guiding figure in the family’s social justice initiatives, using her wealth to support causes aligned with the Kennedy values. While she wasn’t a business mogul, her financial decisions shaped the long-term influence of the Kennedy family.
Conclusion
Ethel Kennedy’s net worth and financial legacy reflect her commitment to both wealth preservation and philanthropy.
Her fortune may not have reached billionaire status, but her influence extended beyond money.
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