Rory Kennedy Honors Late Niece Kyle Kennedy at 42

Rory Kennedy has paid tribute to her late niece, Kyle Kennedy, who passed away at the age of 42. Rory Kennedy described Kyle as a "wonder" and a "deeply beloved" individual in a statement to People magazine.

"Kyle was a wonder – as mother of her beautiful boys, as a daughter, a sister, a friend. And as an educator, too," Rory Kennedy said. "She will be deeply missed."

Rory Kennedy is the youngest child of the late Robert F. "Bobby" Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy. Kyle Kennedy was the daughter of Michael LeMoyne Kennedy, who died in 1997, and Victoria Denise Gifford. Kyle was one of Bobby and Ethel's 34 grandchildren.

Kyle Kennedy passed away in her Westwood, Massachusetts, home on September 21. Her death occurred six years after she sustained a severe spinal cord injury that resulted in long-term paralysis. In her final years, she was an advocate for individuals living with disabilities, even testifying at the Massachusetts State House regarding discrimination in healthcare for disabled individuals.

She is survived by her sons Conor, 12, and Declan, 10, with whom she shared with Liam Kerr. Kerr was referred to as her "former husband" in her obituary. The couple also had a daughter, Josephine, Conor's twin sister, who died days after her birth.

Kyle Kennedy was born on July 6, 1984, in Washington, D.C. She attended Milton Academy before studying history at Georgetown University. She later earned a master's degree in early education from Pace University and another master's degree in education policy and management from Harvard University. After completing her education, she worked as a Teach For America teacher in New York City.