At Ethel Kennedy’s funeral on Wednesday, former President Bill Clinton began his eulogy with an unexpected comment, claiming that she had flirted with him. Ethel Kennedy, widow of former Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy, passed away last week at age 96, marking the end of an era closely tied to the Kennedy family’s legacy.
Clinton opened his remarks at the service held at Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, D.C., by saying, “I will tell you this, I thought your mother was the cat’s meow. She would flirt with me in the most innocent ways.” The comment elicited some laughter from those attending the service, despite the unconventional tone for a funeral.
Later, Ethel’s daughter, Kerry Kennedy, confirmed Clinton’s remark, jokingly telling him and others in the front row, including Presidents Obama and Biden, that her mother “loved each of you, but as she used to say, ‘Get in line.’”
President Biden also delivered a eulogy, recalling that Robert F. Kennedy was his political hero, sharing a personal story about a humorous Valentine’s Day card he received from Ethel after he placed a bust of RFK in the Oval Office.
Ethel Kennedy, who never remarried after her husband’s assassination in 1968, is survived by nine of her 11 children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren.
