Joan Bennett Kennedy, the first wife of the late Senator Ted Kennedy, has passed away at 89. Her family confirmed she died peacefully in her sleep at her Boston home early Wednesday morning.

Born in New York City in 1936, Joan was a model and classically trained pianist before marrying Ted Kennedy in 1958. They shared 24 years of marriage and three children — Kara, Ted Jr., and Patrick. Despite facing heartbreak and public scandals, she became known for her grace and quiet strength. “She faced every challenge with courage and honesty,” her son Ted Jr. said in tribute.

Throughout her life, Joan battled alcoholism and depression, speaking openly about her recovery at a time when few did. “I’m sober today, and that’s all that matters,” she once told People magazine. Her honesty made her a pioneer in mental health and addiction awareness.

A lifelong lover of the arts, Joan earned a master’s degree in music education and worked with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Her legacy as a mother, advocate, and artist continues to inspire — a lasting reminder that resilience and compassion can outshine even the darkest storms.