Double Heartbreak for Kerry Kennedy: Loses Mother Ethel and Beloved Dog Bellini on the Same Day

Hyannis Port, Massachusetts — In a heartrending sequence of events, Kerry Kennedy, daughter of Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy, faced a personal tragedy just hours after the death of her mother. Kennedy revealed that her beloved dog, Bellini, was fatally attacked by another dog in the neighborhood.

The incident unfolded on October 10, mere hours following the passing of Ethel Kennedy due to stroke-related complications. Kerry Kennedy, accompanied by her daughter Michaela Kennedy-Cuomo, had taken Bellini for a routine walk along a local beach when the attack occurred.

Describing the experience as profoundly shocking and violent, Kennedy expressed her devastation over the loss of Bellini. She poignantly noted, “Out of nowhere, a neighborhood dog charged, attacked, and killed Bellini. It was terrifying and violent beyond words.”

In coping with the loss, Kennedy reflected on the poignant timing of the events, speculating that perhaps her mother had wanted a companion for her journey. This personal interpretation provided her with a small degree of solace amid the grief of losing both her mother and her pet in the same day.

The owner of the dog responsible for the attack was reportedly deeply affected by the incident and reached out to Kennedy to express his dismay. Both owners shared a tearful conversation over the loss of their pets. Kennedy appreciated the neighbor’s gesture of sending his dog away, a difficult decision that he believed was for the greater good.

Further sharing her thoughts on social media, Kennedy wrote about her dual loss with a tone of gratitude toward her neighbor’s responsible action and expressed her overall sadness but also her appreciation of the blessings in her life.

Michaela Kennedy-Cuomo also took to social media to honor both her grandmother and Bellini. In her tribute, she mentioned how special natural phenomena—the northern lights visible across the U.S. on the night of October 10—seemed like a celestial welcome party for her loved ones.

This tragic sequence brought together themes of loss, community, and enduring ties—highlighting not only personal grief but the shared human experiences of compassion and condolence amidst unforeseeing circumstances. Although the community in Hyannis Port is known for its ties to American political history, it’s moments like these that underscore the personal stories behind public figures, revealing the shared vulnerabilities that connect us all.