Ted Kennedy and wife Joan Kennedy circa 1971 in New York City. (Tom Wargacki/WireImage)
Joan Kennedy had three children with her husband, and she stood by him through arguably the most severe scandal of his career, the Chappaquiddick accident. In 1969, he plunged his car off a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island, killing his young female passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne.
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Kennedy was able to swim to safety, however, and waited hours before contacting police. He later pleaded guilty to charges of fleeing the scene of a crash.
Joan Kennedy arrives for the premiere of a movie at the Museum of Science in Boston, Oct. 1, 1984. (AP Photo/Sean Kardon, File)
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Health and Human Services Sec. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Joan's nephew, has yet to release a statement on her passing.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
This is a developing story. Check back soon for updates.
Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and major breaking news events. Send tips to Anders.Hagstrom@Fox.com, or on Twitter: @Hagstrom_Anders.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/joan-kennedy-wife-sen-ted-kennedy-22-years-dead-89