Moving Photos from Ethel Kennedy's Memorial Service in Washington, D.C.

10/16/2024 05:10 PM

The memorial service was held at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle on Oct. 16

The Kennedy family said goodbye to a beloved matriarch.

On Oct. 16, a memorial was held for Ethel Kennedy, at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C. The heartwarming service was attended by family, friends and political figures alike: Several of her children, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., were present and so were grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Other notable attendees such as President Joe Biden — who delivered the eulogy — Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Martin Luther King III also paid their respects.

Related: Ethel Kennedy Honored by 3 Presidents and Major Stars at D.C. Memorial Service: 'A Big Dose in a Small Package'

Ethel died on Oct. 10 "from complications related to a stroke," according to a statement from her daughter, Kerry, that was posted on X.

"She was a devout Catholic and a daily communicant, and we are comforted in knowing she is reunited with the love of her life, our father, Robert F. Kennedy; her children David and Michael; her daughter-in-law Mary; her grandchildren Maeve and Saoirse; and her great-grandchildren Gideon and Josie," the statement read. "Please keep our mother in your hearts and prayers."

See all the moving photos from Ethel Kennedy's memorial, below.

Ethel Kennedy's Casket Arrives

Kennedy family and friends surround Ethel's casket as it is ushered into the cathedral.

Barack Obama and Bill Clinton Pay Their Respects

Former President Barack Obama is pictured giving Rory Kennedy — the youngest daughter of Ethel and Bobby — a warm embrace during the memorial service, as former President Bill Clinton looked on and President Joe Biden stands beside them.

President Joe Biden with Barack Obama and Bill Clinton

Obama and Clinton sat with President Biden during the ceremony.

Robert F. Kennedy and Cheryl Hines Arrive

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. arrived with wife Cheryl Hines by his side.

Related: RFK Jr. and Cheryl Hines Arrive Hand in Hand at Ethel Kennedy's Memorial Service amid His Sexting Scandal

Barack Obama Speaks

Obama also took to the podium and shared some of his fondest memories of Mrs. Kennedy.

Bill Clinton Speaks

Former President Bill Clinton paid his respects to the late activist, calling her "the cat's meow."

Sting Performs

Sting honors Ethel Kennedy with a surprise performance.

Martin Luther King III Arrives

The trio greet Martin Luther King III, son of MLK Jr., as he heads to his seat at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle.

Martin Luther King III

Martin Luther King III heads to his seat ahead of the service. King, 66, spoke about the tragedies that his family and the Kennedys each faced in 1968.

Kerry Kennedy Speaks

Kerry Kennedy, the seventh child of RFK and Ethel Kennedy, also shared some of her fondest memories of her mother. Kerry is now the president of RFK Human Rights, a nonprofit that Ethel founded in her late husband's name.

Joe Kennedy III Speaks

Former Massachusetts Rep. Joe Kennedy III, one of Ethel's grandsons, takes the podium to speak about his beloved grandma.

Max Kennedy Pays His Respects

Max Kennedy, Ethel and RFK's ninth child, did a reading at the service to honor his mother.

Stevie Wonder Performs

Stevie Wonder shared some memories he had with Ethel Kennedy as he performed at the memorial.

Rory Kennedy Gets Emotional on Stage

Rory Kennedy, Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy's last born, also spoke fondly of her late mother, saying, "Mummy was all I had, but she was more than I could have ever hoped for." Rory was born after her father's assassination.

Kenny Chesney Performs

Kenny Chesney sang "You Are My Sunshine" at the beginning of the service, performing in honor of the late matriarch whom he said "felt like sunshine."

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