The Kennedys, one of the most prominent and influential families in American history, have long been associated with a seemingly never-ending streak of misfortune and tragedy. This "Kennedy curse" has plagued the family for generations, leaving a trail of untimely deaths, accidents, scandals, and political setbacks in its wake. From the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and his brother Robert Kennedy, to the plane crash that took the life of John F. Kennedy Jr., the Kennedy family has endured an extraordinary amount of loss and hardship over the years.
We’ve rounded up a timeline of the most notable examples of the so-called Kennedy ‘curse’ below.
After a car crash in 1969, Ted Kennedy, who had by this point lost 4 of his siblings prematurely, wondered if some awful curse did actually hang over all the Kennedys. Others simply attribute the calamities to the conditions of Kennedy family life In his book The Kennedy Curse Shattered , Les Williams argues that Joe Kennedy s intense parenting style is at fault.
, the Kennedy family has endured an extraordinary amount of loss and hardship over the years. The origins of the Kennedy curse can be traced back to the patriarch of the family, Joseph Patrick Kennedy Sr. Despite his wealth and political success, there were whispers of scandal and corruption surrounding him.
History of the Kennedy curse
Edward Kennedy may have lived to the age of 77 – escaping the so-called Kennedy curse that stalked his family – but his life was still marked by loss, scandal and tragedy.
In 1941 his elder sister, Rosemary Kennedy, who was born with developmental problems, underwent a lobotomy that resulted in her spending the rest of her life in institutions. She died in 2005.
Three years later his eldest brother, Joseph Kennedy Jr, died in a plane crash while on a bombing mission over the Channel during the second world war.
In 1948 another plane crash – this time in France – killed his sister, Kathleen Kennedy Cavendish. She was 28.
The Kennedys' fortunes appeared to have improved with the election of John F Kennedy as president in 1960. But in 1963 he was assassinated with his wife at his side as the presidential motorcade rolled through Dallas, Texas.
A year later, Edward Kennedy narrowly escaped death when a plane crashed in an apple orchard in Massachusetts. The pilot and one of Kennedy's aides died and the senator spent six months in hospital, emerging with chronic back pain that would plague him for the rest of his life.
In 1968 Kennedy lost another brother to an assassin's gun when Robert Kennedy was murdered in Los Angeles, just after his victory in California's Democratic presidential primary election. He was 42.
Thirteen months later came yet another terrible and defining moment in Edward Kennedy's personal and political life. While driving back from a party on Chappaquiddick Island in Massachusetts with an aide, Mary Jo Kopechne, Kennedy drove off a bridge and his car ended up in the water. Kennedy managed to get out but Kopechne did not.
Kennedy said he tried again and again to save her. But his failure to report the accident for more than 10 hours was viewed by many as callous at best and deeply suspicious at worst. The incident left a stain on his political career that could never be removed.
In 1984 David Kennedy, one of Robert Kennedy's 11 children, died at the age of 28 of an overdose of cocaine and other drugs. Thirteen years after that, Michael, another of Robert's sons, was killed when he hit a tree while skiing in Aspen, Colorado.
In 1999 another of Edward Kennedy's nephews, John Kennedy Jr, the son of JFK, died with his wife and sister-in-law when the small aeroplane he was flying crashed into the Atlantic off Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts.
His daughter, Rosemary Kennedy, was born with intellectual disabilities and became the subject of a failed lobotomy that left her severely disabled. This tragic event was the first in a long line of misfortunes that would befall the Kennedy family. The most well-known and devastating blow to the family came with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. His death shocked the nation and left the country mourning the loss of a beloved leader. Just a few years later, his younger brother Robert Kennedy was also assassinated, further deepening the sense of tragedy surrounding the family. These assassinations, coupled with the deaths of several other Kennedy family members in plane crashes, car accidents, and other accidents, have cemented the idea of a "Kennedy curse" in the public consciousness. The Kennedy curse has been the subject of much speculation and debate over the years. Some attribute the family's misfortunes to their immense wealth and privilege, arguing that their elevated status made them targets for tragedy. Others believe that the family's involvement in politics and public life exposed them to greater risks and dangers. There are also those who see the Kennedy curse as nothing more than a series of unrelated and unfortunate incidents, attributing the family's misfortunes to sheer coincidence. Regardless of the cause, the Kennedy curse has cast a long shadow over the family and their legacy. It has become a part of their identity, shaping the public's perception of who they are and what they represent. Despite the tragedies they have endured, the Kennedys have continued to play a prominent role in American politics and society. They have faced their fair share of setbacks and scandals, but have also achieved great success and made significant contributions to the country. In conclusion, the Kennedy curse is a dark cloud that has hung over the family for generations. The untimely deaths, accidents, and scandals have created a sense of tragedy and loss that has become synonymous with the Kennedy name. Whether it is a real curse or simply a string of unfortunate events, the Kennedy family's story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable nature of fate..
Reviews for "From JFK to JFK Jr: The Kennedy Curse Continues to Claim Lives"
1. John Doe - 2/5 stars - While I was initially excited to read "The lifelong Kennedy Curse" due to my interest in political dynasties, I was quite disappointed with what I found. The book lacked depth and seemed to rely too heavily on general knowledge and speculation rather than presenting well-researched facts. Additionally, the writing style was dry and unengaging, making it a struggle to keep reading. Overall, I felt that this book did not do justice to the complex and fascinating history of the Kennedy family.
2. Jane Smith - 1/5 stars - As an avid reader of historical non-fiction, I had high hopes for "The lifelong Kennedy Curse." However, I found it to be incredibly biased and lacking in objectivity. The author seems to have a clear agenda and does not provide a balanced perspective, which is essential in works of this nature. Furthermore, the writing was dull and repetitive, making it difficult to maintain my interest. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive and unbiased exploration of the Kennedy family.
3. Sarah Johnson - 2/5 stars - "The lifelong Kennedy Curse" fell short of my expectations. I was hoping for an in-depth analysis of the famous family and its impact on American politics, but instead, I found the book to be superficial and lacking substantial insights. The author failed to provide any new or unique perspectives, simply rehashing widely known information about the Kennedys. Additionally, the writing style was uninspiring, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout the book. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of the Kennedy legacy.
4. Robert Anderson - 1/5 stars - I found "The lifelong Kennedy Curse" to be an incredibly disappointing read. The book was filled with speculative claims and unsupported theories, which made it difficult to trust the reliability of the author. The lack of concrete evidence and proper citations further added to my frustration. Moreover, the writing style was disjointed and poorly organized, making it challenging to follow the overall narrative. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone interested in an accurate and well-researched account of the Kennedy family.