Ethel Kennedy dies at 96
Ethel Kennedy, widow of the late Robert F. Kennedy and mother of 11 children, died Thursday of a stroke.
Ethel Kennedy's funeral on Wednesday was attended by three presidents and three music superstars: Sting, Kenny Chesney and Stevie Wonder.
After former President Clinton's eulogy, Sting made a surprise appearance at St. Matthew the Apostle Cathedral in Washington, D.C., guitar in hand, to perform his emotional 1987 hit “Fragile.”
Ethel Kennedy's grandson, Joe Kennedy III, told funeral attendees, “There will be a surprise that wasn't on the show, but I'm very grateful and honored that my grandmother's beloved singer came.'' .
“It sounds just like when we sing together as a family, right?” he joked after Sting finished.
Sting reimagines “Jeopardy!” theme song
Sting performs his hit song “Fragile” at Ethel Kennedy's funeral. (Reuters/Leah Millis)
President Biden, speaking at the end of the service, became visibly emotional as he listened to the song, later saying that Kennedy reminded him of his own mother.
In front of Sting, country star Kenny Chesney talked about his friendship with Ethel and her daughter Rory Kennedy and sang “You Are My Sunshine.”
Click here to sign up for our entertainment newsletter
“The moment I walked into Ethel's house, she and I shared a soul bond, and I'm so grateful for that friendship,” Chesney said before starting to sing. “Whenever I was around your mom, she made me feel so happy because she felt like sunshine.”
Kenny Chesney singing “You Are My Sunshine”. (Reuters/Leah Millis)
Joe Kennedy later told the audience before Biden's eulogy, “I'm honored to announce a surprise at the end,” and described Stevie Wonder as “a dear friend of my grandfather and grandmother.”
Like what you’re reading? Click here for more entertainment news
Wonder said he decided to return to tour because of Ethel Kennedy, adding that he was there to “grieve with you and share the love.”
Stevie Wonder sings “Isn't She Lovely” at Ethel Kennedy's funeral. (Reuters/Leah Millis)
He first sang “The Lord's Prayer,'' and then began a special rendition of “Isn't She Lovely'' to loud applause. He included Ethel's name in the song and brought out a harmonica for the audience to sing along. I called out.
During his eulogy, Biden joked that Wonder told him that if he won another Grammy, he would give it to the president.
Presidents Biden, Obama and Clinton appeared emotional Wednesday as they listened to a performance of Sting's “Fragile” at Ethel Kennedy's funeral. (Reuters/Leah Millis)
“There's only one person in this damned church who can't sing a single note,” he laughed to himself.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Ethel Kennedy, widow of former Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, died last Thursday at the age of 96. Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated in June 1968 while running for the Democratic presidential nomination.
