Who is rfk jr father

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: RFK Jr.'s father was Robert F. Kennedy, the 64th U.S. Attorney General (1961-1964) and a U.S. Senator from New York (1965-1968). He was assassinated on June 5, 1968, at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination. Robert F. Kennedy was the younger brother of President John F. Kennedy and served as a key advisor during his administration.

Key Facts

Robert F. Kennedy was born on November 20, 1925, in Brookline, Massachusetts
He served as U.S. Attorney General from 1961 to 1964 under President John F. Kennedy
He was elected U.S. Senator from New York in 1964, serving until his death in 1968
He was assassinated on June 5, 1968, at age 42 by Sirhan Sirhan
He had 11 children with his wife Ethel Skakel Kennedy, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr. born in 1954

Overview

Robert Francis "Bobby" Kennedy was a towering figure in American politics whose life and legacy continue to shape the nation's consciousness. Born into the prominent Kennedy family on November 20, 1925, he emerged from the shadow of his older brother President John F. Kennedy to become a formidable political force in his own right. His journey from Attorney General to presidential candidate represented the evolution of American liberalism during the turbulent 1960s, marked by civil rights struggles, anti-war movements, and profound social change.

As the seventh of nine children born to Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy, Robert grew up in a family that valued public service and political engagement. He graduated from Harvard University in 1948 and earned his law degree from the University of Virginia Law School in 1951. His early career included serving as a counsel for Senate committees before becoming campaign manager for his brother John's successful 1960 presidential bid, demonstrating the family's tight-knit political operations.

How It Works

The Kennedy family's political dynasty operated through a combination of personal charisma, strategic alliances, and dedicated public service that spanned generations.

Family Foundation: Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. established the family's wealth through banking, stock trading, and Hollywood investments, amassing a fortune estimated at $400 million (adjusted for inflation) that provided the financial foundation for political campaigns. He served as U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom from 1938 to 1940, giving his children early exposure to international affairs.
Political Network: The Kennedys cultivated relationships across Democratic Party structures, labor unions, and civil rights organizations. Robert Kennedy's work as Attorney General from 1961-1964 involved coordinating with 93 U.S. Attorneys nationwide and overseeing a Department of Justice budget that grew from $330 million to $410 million during his tenure.
Media Strategy: The family mastered television politics, with Robert appearing in 14 televised debates during his 1968 presidential campaign and giving speeches that reached millions through emerging broadcast technologies. His campaign spent approximately $5 million (equivalent to about $40 million today) on media and outreach.
Legacy Building: After Robert's assassination, the family established the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization in 1968, which has since awarded its annual human rights prize to 55 recipients from 30 countries. The Kennedy Library system preserves his papers alongside those of President John F. Kennedy.

Key Comparisons

Feature	Robert F. Kennedy	John F. Kennedy
Political Position	Attorney General (1961-1964), Senator (1965-1968)	President (1961-1963), Senator (1953-1960)
Legislative Achievements	Civil Rights Act enforcement, Organized Crime prosecution	Civil Rights Act proposal, Peace Corps creation
Public Perception	Fierce advocate for marginalized communities	Charismatic Cold War leader
Assassination Impact	Ended 1968 presidential campaign, sparked reforms	Led to Lyndon Johnson presidency, conspiracy theories
Family Role	Younger brother, campaign manager, advisor	Eldest political son, presidential standard-bearer

Why It Matters

Civil Rights Legacy: Robert Kennedy's work as Attorney General directly impacted desegregation efforts, with the Justice Department filing 57 voting rights lawsuits in Southern states between 1961-1963. His famous 1968 speech announcing Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination helped prevent riots in multiple cities, demonstrating his unique ability to connect with African American communities during tense racial moments.
Political Dynasty Continuation: The Kennedy family has produced 3 U.S. Senators, 1 President, 1 Attorney General, and multiple ambassadors across generations. Robert's children alone include environmental activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former Congressman Joseph P. Kennedy II, and former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, showing how his legacy extended through his 11 children.
Cultural Influence: The RFK assassination on June 5, 1968, coming just two months after Martin Luther King Jr.'s murder and five years after his brother's assassination, created what historians call "The Lost Year" of 1968. This tragedy contributed to security reforms for political candidates that now involve Secret Service protection for major candidates, a system that protects approximately 40 candidates during election cycles.

Robert F. Kennedy's legacy continues to evolve through his children's work, historical reassessments, and ongoing political discussions about progressive values. His vision for a more just America—articulated in his famous "ripple of hope" speech in South Africa in 1966—remains relevant as new generations confront social inequality, environmental challenges, and political polarization. The Kennedy family's enduring presence in American life, now spanning over a century of public service, ensures that Robert's ideals will continue to inspire political engagement and social activism for years to come.