It’s hard to believe that a chapter of such magnitude has come to an end. Jean Kennedy Smith, the last surviving sibling of the iconic President John F. Kennedy, passed away on June 17, 2021, at the remarkable age of 92. Her daughter, Kym Smith, confirmed the news with a heartwarming tribute to her mother's incredible life.
A Legacy of Strength and Service
Kym Smith spoke to NBC News with pride, sharing, "She lived an amazing life." Jean Kennedy Smith wasn’t just the youngest sister of the Kennedy clan; she was so much more. An activist, humanitarian, and diplomat, Smith dedicated her life to making a difference in the world. Between 1993 and 1998, she served as the U.S. ambassador to Ireland, leaving an indelible mark on both nations. Her contributions were recognized in 2011 when President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the highest honors a civilian can receive.
Historian Arthur Schlesinger Jr. once said of her, "Jean may well be the best politician of all the Kennedys." And he wasn’t wrong. Her work as ambassador was nothing short of extraordinary, earning her respect and admiration from people around the world.
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A Glimpse into Her Extraordinary Life
In October 2016, Jean Kennedy Smith published her first book, The Nine of Us: Growing Up Kennedy, offering readers a rare and intimate look into her storied childhood. She wrote, "It is hard for me to fully comprehend that I was growing up with brothers who eventually occupied the highest offices of our nation, including the president of the United States. At the time, they were simply my playmates. They were the source of my amusement and the objects of my admiration." Her words capture the essence of her childhood, a blend of ordinary and extraordinary moments.
Among all her siblings, Rose Kennedy once remarked that Jean was probably the closest to her brother Edward. In her memoir, Times to Remember, Rose described the duo as "a pair" who "trotted around together." Despite the occasional disagreements, Edward always saw Jean as his "valiant friend and big sister," a bond that stood the test of time.
