NEW YORK — Kerry Kennedy is set to explore the life of her mother, Ethel Kennedy, in a forthcoming book, “Ethel: Faith, Hope, Family, and an Extraordinary American Life,” slated for release in the fall of 2026.
The book will offer an in-depth look at Ethel Kennedy’s life, highlighting her compassion, resilience, and dedication to justice. An announcement from HarperOne, a division of HarperCollins Publishers, emphasized the book’s focus on Ethel Kennedy’s significant influence on American history.
Kerry Kennedy is one of the 11 children of Ethel Kennedy and Robert Kennedy, a former U.S. attorney general, senator, and presidential candidate who was assassinated in 1968. Ethel Kennedy, known for her activism, particularly in founding the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights—now called Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights—passed away in 2024 at the age of 96. Kerry Kennedy currently serves as the president of the organization.
The book “Ethel” was co-authored by Kerry Kennedy and writer Maryanne Vollers, who has collaborated on works with figures such as Hillary Rodham Clinton and Billie Jean King.
According to HarperOne, “Ethel” will draw on Kerry Kennedy’s personal memories and admiration, illustrating her mother’s journey from spirited youth to influential family matriarch. The book will delve into themes of courage, empathy, and activism’s transformative power, painting a portrait of a woman who shaped her family and nation with her enduring legacy.