Overview

• Joan Bennett Kennedy died Oct. 8 at age 89, peacefully in her sleep at her Boston home, according to family statements released by Massachusetts Democratic Party chair Steve Kerrigan.
• A death certificate obtained by People on Oct. 10 identifies dementia as the immediate cause and classifies the death as natural, noting the duration of the condition is unknown.
• The certificate cites alcoholism in remission as a contributing condition, reflecting a struggle she discussed publicly in the 1970s.
• A classically trained pianist and arts advocate, she was the first wife of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, authored the 1992 best seller The Joy of Classical Music, and supported Boston arts organizations.
• She is survived by sons Ted Kennedy Jr. and Patrick J. Kennedy, nine grandchildren, a great-grandchild, and a sister; funeral and calling-hour details will be posted by Carr Funeral Home.