Worked with Barbra on Special Olympics

August 11, 2009
Kennedy family matriarch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver passed away on Aug. 11 at age 88. Shriver leaves behind a rich legacy as a fighter and champion for the underprivileged and disadvantaged. She was the founder of The Special Olympics, by far her greatest achievement.

Shriver and Barbra Streisand (along with Senator Ted Kennedy and many other members of the Kennedy family) worked together in 1975 on behalf of the Special Olympics. And Shriver was there the night Barbra performed in a live televised concert ("Funny Girl to Funny Lady") which benefited the organization.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver was the wife of noted politician (and the first director of the Peace Corps), Sargent Shriver. In 1972 Sargent Shriver was George McGovern's running mate as McGovern made his bid for the White House. The McGovern-Shriver ticket enjoyed staunch support from Barbra Streisand during that year's presidential campaign.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver was the sister of John F. Kennedy, 35th President of the United States, and Senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy of Massachusetts.