WESTWOOD, MA. (THECOUNT) — Kyle Francis Kennedy, the granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, has died at age 42 at her home in Westwood, Massachusetts, according to her obituary. Kennedy, an educator and disability rights advocate, died Sept. 21, 2026. Her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Kennedy was the daughter of Michael Kennedy, the sixth of Robert and Ethel Kennedy’s 11 children, and Victoria Denise Gifford, daughter of former NFL star Frank Gifford. She was 13 when her father died in a skiing accident on New Year’s Eve 1997.
Advertisement
Although she belonged to one of America’s best-known political families, Kennedy built a career focused on education, improving opportunities for disadvantaged children and advocating for people with disabilities.
After graduating from Georgetown University with a degree in history, Kennedy began her teaching career through Teach For America, working for two years in New York City public schools. She later earned a Master of Science in early education from Pace University and a Master of Education in education policy and management from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.
Her work expanded into educational reform, including efforts to improve elementary education and charter schooling. She also worked with technology companies focused on curriculum development and coached educators working with young children.
Kennedy was also a competitive athlete. In 2019, she completed the Boston Marathon in difficult weather conditions, finishing 20 minutes faster than her father had run the race.
In 2020, Kennedy suffered a severe spinal cord injury that left her with long-term paralysis and other medical challenges. She subsequently became an advocate for people living with disabilities, including testifying at the Massachusetts State House during a hearing on discrimination in health care affecting disabled people.
Her family also endured the loss of her infant daughter, Josie, who died just days after birth. Josie was the twin sister of Kennedy’s son Conor. Kennedy later had another son, Declan.
Her obituary remembered her for her intellect, dry wit, competitive spirit and devotion to her children. She also loved art, animals and travel, and maintained a strong interest in education and helping others despite the challenges she faced after her injury.
Kennedy is survived by her sons, Conor and Declan; her mother, Victoria; her brother, Michael; her sister, Rory; her former husband, Liam Kerr; and extended family members. Funeral services were held privately, according to the obituary.
Westwood is a town in Norfolk County in eastern Massachusetts, approximately 15 miles southwest of Boston and part of the Greater Boston metropolitan area. Kennedy died at her home in Westwood; her exact residential address has not been publicly identified in the sources reviewed.
Google Maps: Westwood, Massachusetts (approximate geographic context)
DEVELOPING::