Ethel Kennedy's Grace Amidst Public Grief

Kerry Kennedy's forthcoming memoir, "Ethel Kennedy: The Extraordinary Life and Bold Legacy," set for publication on October 13, 2026, explores her mother Ethel Kennedy's remarkable life. The book details Ethel's inspiring example, both before and after the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy in June 1968. A poignant excerpt describes the funeral train journey from New York to Washington D.C., a somber procession of twenty-one rail cars carrying hundreds of friends and family.

Thousands lined the tracks, a diverse crowd of Black and white individuals, military personnel, and civilians, all united in their mourning. Inside the train, Ethel Kennedy moved through the cars, offering comfort to grieving friends and family. Her daughter Kerry recalls her mother's words, "We'll cry later," a testament to her enduring spirit. Ethel Kennedy's public resilience and social grace quickly made her a widely admired figure in America.