To celebrate Ethel Kennedy’s 96th birthday, daughter Kerry Kennedy posted a tribute on X, including a video montage set to the Taylor Swift song ‘Starlight,’ which was inspired by Ethel and RFK’s love story. Ethel, widow of late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, founded RFK Human Rights and has been a champion for justice. Swift’s song tells the story of Ethel and RFK’s teenage romance and their eventual marriage, despite enduring numerous family tragedies. Ethel’s strength and faith have helped her navigate unthinkable losses, making her an enduring symbol of resilience and courage.
Kerry Kennedy Serenades Ethel on Her 96th Birthday
To celebrate Ethel Kennedy’s 96th birthday, daughter Kerry Kennedy pulled out all the stops by serenading her mother with a heartfelt tribute on X. The highlight of the tribute was a touching video montage set to none other than Taylor Swift’s 2012 hit song “Starlight,” which was inspired by the enduring love story of Ethel and the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy.
In her Instagram post, Kerry, at the spry age of 64, gushed, “Today is my mom’s 96th birthday! To celebrate her, please listen to this great song that @taylorswift13 wrote about my parents!” It’s truly a heartwarming gesture to honor a woman who has dedicated her life to championing human rights causes and carrying forth her husband’s legacy.
Taylor Swift’s Musical Ode to Ethel and RFK
The backstory to Taylor Swift’s song “Starlight” adds an extra layer of poignancy to the birthday tribute. Swift, a keen admirer of 1960s style and culture, stumbled upon a picture from the late ’40s showing two young lovebirds dancing joyously. To her surprise, the couple in the photo turned out to be none other than Ethel and Bobby Kennedy.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, Swift revealed, “I just kind of wrote that song from that place, not really knowing how they met or anything like that.” The lyrics of “Starlight” beautifully capture the essence of a teenage romance blossoming under the starlit sky, echoing the youthful spirit and love that Ethel and Bobby shared in their early days.
Tragedy and Resilience in the Kennedy Family
Ethel Kennedy’s life has been marked by both triumphs and tragedies. As the matriarch of the Kennedy clan, she has weathered numerous heart-wrenching losses, including the assassinations of her brother-in-law John F. Kennedy and her husband Robert F. Kennedy, just five years apart.
The Kennedy family has seen its fair share of sorrow, with the untimely deaths of several of Ethel’s children, grandchildren, and other relatives. Despite enduring these unimaginable losses, Ethel has displayed unwavering strength and resilience, guided by her deep faith and unwavering commitment to carrying on her family’s legacy.
Ethel’s Enduring Legacy and Impact
Throughout her life, Ethel Kennedy has remained a steadfast advocate for human rights and social justice. In 1969, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization to continue her late husband’s work and promote causes close to her heart.
Today, at the age of 96, Ethel continues to inspire those around her with her unwavering dedication to fighting for justice and equality. Her legacy serves as a beacon of hope for future generations, reminding us all of the power of resilience, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
As Ethel Kennedy celebrates her 96th birthday, let us join Kerry Kennedy and Taylor Swift in honoring this remarkable woman who has left an indelible mark on history and continues to inspire us all with her grace, strength, and unwavering dedication to creating a more just and equitable world. Happy Birthday, Ethel!
