Human rights advocate Ethel Kennedy died on October 10 at age 96. She was the wife of the late Robert Kennedy and the sister-in-law of President John F. Kennedy. Robert and Ethel married in 1950 18 years before his assassination and shared 11 children. Ethel was three months pregnant at the time of her husband’s death in 1968. She never married again and raised her children as a single mother who devoted much of her time to social issues. Many gathered at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle to bid Ethel Kennedy farewell during her funeral on October 16, including dear friend Stevie Wonder.
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Among the attendees were family, friends, dignitaries, and performers who wanted to pay their respects to a woman who helped make the world a better place.
Stevie Wonder, Sting, And Kenny Chesney Played at Ethel Kennedy’s Funeral
According to Fox News, President Clinton gave a eulogy and Ethel’s grandson, Joe Kennedy III announced,
“We have a surprise that’s not on the program, but we are incredibly grateful and honored to have a singer who my grandmother loved,” he said as he introduced Sting.
Sting performed his hit song Fragile and Joe joked, “Sounds just like that at our family singalongs, right?”
“The moment I walked into Ethel’s home she and I shared a soulful bond and I have so much gratitude for that friendship,” Kenny said before he sang. “Every time I was around your mother she made me feel great because she felt like sunshine.”
Prior to President Biden’s eulogy, Joe made a surprise announcement and said Steve Wonder, a “dear friend of my grandfather and grandmother,” would sing next.
Stevie sang The Lord’s Prayer, followed by a beautiful rendition of Isn’t She Lovely. Stevie inserted Ethel’s name, into the song, and received an incredible round of applause.
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