Former President Bill Clinton brought humor and heartfelt reminiscences to the funeral of Ethel Kennedy in Washington, D.C., weaving tales of personal interaction and admiration.
In a eulogy marked by personal anecdotes, Clinton fondly remembered Ethel Kennedy as "the cat's meow," sharing stories that highlighted her playful side, including her innocent flirtations, Mail Online reported.
On October 16, 2024, a gathering of notable figures including U.S. President Joe Biden and former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton filled the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle to pay their respects to Ethel Kennedy, the matriarch who had significantly impacted their lives and the national political landscape. They remembered Ethel Kennedy, who passed at 96 after a stroke, for her vibrant spirit and enduring influence.
Clinton, during the ceremony, articulated his admiration for Ethel, recounting how she’d jokingly flirt with him in what he described as the most innocent ways. Clinton made light-hearted comments about Ethel's large family, noting her role as the mother of 11, grandmother of 34, and great-grandmother of 24, which reflected her love and legacy.
Continuing with his tribute, Clinton highlighted Ethel Kennedy's role in shaping the discussions around significant societal issues, from population concerns to immigration policies within the U.S. He illustrated their dialogues with humor yet underscored the grave topics they touched upon, reflecting on their shared commitments to family and country.
These respects paid to Ethel Kennedy glistened amidst the background of her lasting impact on those who knew her and on the Kennedy family's broader political and social engagements. Her son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., attended the private ceremony, a significant note given his controversial figure in current political spheres.
Among attendees were also notable absentees, with former Presidents Donald Trump and George W. Bush not observed at the event. Figures from different eras and ideologies, united in their respect for Ethel Kennedy's enduring legacy, demonstrated the high regard in which she was held across a broad political spectrum during the assembly.
Bill Clinton’s presence and his speech served as a reminder of Ethel Kennedy's cross-political charm and her ability to engage with leading political figures of the time, including those from administrations that followed her husband’s tragic presidential campaign. Clinton’s recount of past interactions with Ethel at events, such as one in 2006, colored the narrative of her lasting influence in political and social arenas.
In focusing on her family, Clinton joked that "we need more people like you," seamlessly connecting her dedication to family as foundational to her views on broader societal needs, including immigration and population growth. Moreover, this reflection not only highlighted Ethel's character but also drew attention to current societal debates, further showcasing the depth of her influence on public discourse.
As Clinton concluded the eulogy, he skillfully used both his deep respect and characteristic charm to paint a portrait of a woman whose life was as impactful as it was spirited. Ultimately, it was a fitting tribute to Ethel Kennedy, who had shaped not only a family but also a nation with her resilience, humor, and unwavering commitment to social justice.
Furthermore, Ethel Kennedy's legacy, characterized by her extensive familial ties and her impression on national policy debates, was not just the subject of mourning but also of celebration at the service. They remembered her life, closely intertwined with the American political landscape, as a beacon of hope and a repository of joyful defiance. As the mourners left the cathedral, the stories of Ethel’s charm, shared by Clinton and others, echoed a collective memory of her vivacious spirit, leaving an indelible mark on all in attendance.
