- Passed away 15 days after the passing of his sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver. With his death, Jean Kennedy Smith remains the last surviving child of the American political dynasty that was created by the marriage of Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Kennedy.
- Died on the same date (9 years apart) of the same cancer type (glioblastoma) as old friend and fellow legislator Senator John McCain.
- Resided in Hyannis, Massachusetts.
- As the senior U.S. Senator from Massachusetts since 1962. He was first elected to the Senate on 6 November 1962 after a special election was held.
- After accidentally driving his car off a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island, resulting in the drowning death of Mary Jo Kopechne, he was convicted of leaving the scene of an accident (18 July 1969).
- Uncle of Maria Shriver, and so by marriage of Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Brother of John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., Patricia Kennedy, Rosemary Kennedy, Jean Kennedy Smith, Kathleen Kennedy and Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
- Son of Joseph P. Kennedy and Rose Kennedy.
- Father of Kara Kennedy Allen (born on 27 February 1960, died on 16 September 2011), Edward Kennedy Jr. (born on 26 September 1961) and Patrick Joseph Kennedy II (born on 14 July 1967).
- Grandson of Congressman John F. Fitzgerald.
- After being hospitalized for a suspected stroke, Kennedy was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. (May 2008).
- He was too ill to attend his sister Eunice's funeral, who predeceased him by 14 days.
- Was good friends with historian David McCullough.
- Merited a place in "Time" magazine's - 100 Most Influential People in the World (leaders & revolutionaries) - with a tribute written by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Photograph for Time by celebrity photographer Brigitte Lacombe (Issue: May 11, 2009).
- A lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, he tossed out the opening pitch at their 2009 Home Opener at Fenway Park.
- Release of his autobiography, "True Compass: A Memoir". (September 2009)
- Announced his support for Barack Obama in his 2008 presidential campaign (28 January 2008).
- Youngest of nine siblings, and the only male living (as of January 2008). Joe died in a wartime plane crash, and John and Robert were both assassinated.
- Founded the Committee for a Democratic Majority in 1995 to help elect Democratic candidates.
- Had successful surgery at Duke University Medical Center to remove a cancerous brain tumor on June 2, 2008.
- Irish-American.
- Shortly before his death Kennedy was awarded an honorary knighthood by the British government. This caused some controversy in the UK, due to his past support for the Provisional IRA.
- He opposed President Ford pardoning Richard Nixon, but later admitted Ford had made the correct decision.
- U. S. senator from Massachusetts (1962-2009).
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