The Kennedy Family
America's best-known political dynasty, launched by a businessman-ambassador whose sons dominated Democratic politics for decades.
Businessman, Diplomat · b. 1888–1969
Wealthy businessman and U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom who groomed his sons for national political careers.
Notable Works
- U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom (1938–1940)
Politician · b. 1917–1963
Joseph's son, 35th President of the United States, assassinated in Dallas in 1963.
Notable Works
- 35th President of the United States (1961–1963)
- Profiles in Courage
Politician · b. 1925–1968
Joseph's son, U.S. Attorney General under JFK and later a senator and presidential candidate, assassinated during his 1968 campaign.
Notable Works
- U.S. Attorney General (1961–1964)
- U.S. Senator from New York
Politician · b. 1932–2009
Joseph's youngest son, who served nearly 47 years as U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, one of the longest tenures in Senate history.
Notable Works
- U.S. Senator from Massachusetts (1962–2009)
Politician, Attorney · b. 1954
Robert F. Kennedy's son, an environmental lawyer and activist who later became a vaccine-skeptic presidential candidate and U.S. Secretary o…
Notable Works
- U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (2025–)
Politician, Diplomat · b. 1957
JFK's only surviving child, a lawyer, author, and diplomat who served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan and later to Australia.
Notable Works
- U.S. Ambassador to Japan (2013–2017)
- U.S. Ambassador to Australia (2022–2025)
Politician, Nonprofit Executive · b. 1952
Robert F. Kennedy's eldest son, who served six terms as a U.S. Congressman from Massachusetts and founded Citizens Energy Corporation.
Notable Works
- U.S. Representative from Massachusetts (1987–1999)
- Citizens Energy Corporation (founder)