James Allen News Center

Senator Ted Kennedy passed away on August 25th, at 77 years old. He left in his wake a pending health reform proposal, a legacy of Senate successes and a profound influence on American politics in general. His name alone carries the weight of a political legacy. But what has been overlooked in all the media frenzy surrounding the Senator`s passing, is the two very different women with whom he exchanged wedding rings – the women behind the man.

Kennedy`s met his first wife, Joan Bennett, in 1957. She was a refined woman of good taste and a penchant for honesty. They were married for 24 years and she stood behind Kennedy through the assassinations of his brothers John and Robert, the bone cancer of their 12 year old son, Edward Jr., multiple miscarriages and frequent rumors of infidelity. She even stood beside `the swimmer` when his car went off a bridge at Chappaquiddick on Martha's Vineyard, drowning passenger Mary Jo Kopechne.

Despite having her own demons, Joan was publicly vocal about them and always presented herself as she was. Kennedy was separated from Joan for 2 years when he ran for president in 1980. Nevertheless, she said that if he were elected, she would live with him in the White House.

Ted and Joan divorced in 1982.

Vicki Reggie and Ted met when she was an intern in his Senate office. In 1991, she invited the senator to a 40th anniversary party for her parents. Shortly after, they began dating, and he later proposed at a performance of La Boheme. They were married in 1992.

The marriage closely followed the Palm Beach rape trial of his nephew, William Kennedy Smith. The senator was in the house at the time of the alleged rape. Vicki managed to keep Ted out of the scandal, even making sure he was never photographed with a drink.

Ted had publicly declared that Vicki saved his life. Describing their marriage in a television interview, Vicki said "We just met each other at good times in both our lives. I don't think you can say anyone would make a conscious decision to get married for something other than just being in love and happy, and wanting to spend your life with someone."