Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy Sr., was hospitalized after suffering a stroke. The Kennedy matriarch and mother of former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is 96 years old. Last week she suffered a stroke in her sleep.

Former Massachusetts congressman Joe Kennedy III shared an update on X about his “incredible grandmother.”

“She is, as you may know, a strong woman who has lived a remarkably full life.”

“She is comfortable, receiving the best care possible and surrounded by her family. She is, as you may know, a strong woman who has lived a remarkably full life,” he wrote. “We are here and we will take care of them. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. We ask that you respect our family’s privacy at this time.”

Joe revealed that Ethel spent the summer with her children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. “She was able to go out on the water, visit the pier and enjoy many family lunches and dinners. It was a gift for all of us and for them too,” he said.

“Unfortunately, she suffered a stroke in her sleep on Thursday morning,” he said in the statement. “She was taken to an area hospital where she is now receiving treatment.”

Ethel is the mother of 11 children and has several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her daughter Rory Kennedy also shared the same statement on X, confirming that her mother is currently being treated in hospital.

Ethel was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-President Barack Obama in 2014 for her commitment to fighting for social justice, human rights and environmental protection, which included her work at the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights. She founded the nonprofit in 1968 after her husband was murdered. Her youngest child was born after her husband’s death and she never married again.