Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy vowed never to remarry after his death in 1968, and they kept their word.
The couple met through Jean Kennedy on a ski trip to Quebec in 1945; he dated her sister Patricia for several years before they grew apart and Bobby and Ethel fell in love.
By 1950, Robert and Ethel were married. The couple subsequently had 11 children (Kathleen, Joseph, Robert Jr., David, Courtney, Michael, Kerry, Christopher, Max, Douglas, and Rory).
«"We both wanted lots of children, but there wasn't much discussion about it," Ethel told PEOPLE in 2012. "It wasn't a big deal. We both came from large families.".
Robert and Ethel were married for 18 years before the U.S. senator was assassinated on June 5, 1968. She was present the night he was shot and was by his side when he died the next day, and their youngest son, Rory, was born six months after Robert's death.
«"I'd wake up in the morning and think he's happy in heaven, that he has [his late father, John F. Kennedy Jr.]—and they're together, just like they were on earth," she told PEOPLE, admitting that her faith helped her cope with the grief. "I didn't think about how I was going to get through this. I knew it was going to happen, but I didn't know how.".
Below are vintage photos of Bobby and Ethel Kennedy together.
01 of 13
Wedding day
Robert F. Kennedy marries Ethel SkakelCredit: Getty
This photo shows Robert and Ethel leaving St. Mary's Catholic Church in Greenwich, Connecticut, shortly after saying "I do" on June 17, 1950.
02 of 13
Double date
John F. Kennedy, Ethel Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy, and Robert F. Kennedy. Photo: CORBIS/Corbis via Getty
In 1953, two political brothers, Robert and John, and their wives Ethel and Jacqueline, were photographed on the beach.
03 of 13
At the family estate
Robert and Ethel Kennedy with their children. Photo: Gilbert E. Friedberg/The Boston Globe via Getty
In the fall of 1955, Robert and Ethel spent some time with Bobby, Kathleen, and Joseph at the Kennedy estate in Hyannis, Massachusetts.
04 of 13
Quiet moments
Robert F. Kennedy and his wife Ethel Kennedy. Photo: Getty.
In 1957, the Kennedys enjoyed each other's company while spending time at their home.
05 of 13
Time for family
Robert and Ethel with their children. Photo: Bettmann Archive/Getty
In this casual 1957 photo, the couple are pictured pushing their children, Joe and Robert, on a swing.
06 of 13
Behind the scenes
Robert and Ethel Kennedy. Photo: CBS via Getty.
Robert watched as Ethel appeared fascinated by one of the cameras during a visit to the program's set. «Person to Person» in 1957.
07 of 13
Home Moments
Robert and Ethel Kennedy with their family. Photo: ullstein bild/ullstein bild via Getty
This 1959 photo shows the Kennedys strolling through the grounds of their estate in McLean, Virginia, with their children.
08 of 13
Up, up and away
Robert F. Kennedy and his wife, Ethel, wave from their plane as they departed on a 26-day goodwill tour of Japan, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, the Netherlands, and West Berlin. Photo: Bettmann/Getty Images
The attorney general and his wife waved as they boarded a plane to begin their 26-day, world-wide goodwill tour of Japan, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, the Netherlands and West Berlin in 1962.
09 of 13
Next to you
Robert and Ethel Kennedy in New York. Photo: Bettmann/Getty
Upon his return, Ethel stood proudly beside her husband as he spoke to the press at New York International Airport.
10 of 13
All aboard!
Robert and Ethel Kennedy with their children. Photo: Getty
In this 1957 archive photo, Robert and Ethel had a field day posing for photos with David, Bobby Jr., Joseph and Mary in their arms.
11 of 13
Loose hair
Robert F. Kennedy and his wife, Ethel Kennedy. Photo: Bettmann Archive/Getty
This 1965 photo shows the couple relaxing and enjoying the views along the Tampa River.
12 of 13
Smile and wave.
Robert and Ethel Kennedy in Calgary. Photo: Bettmann Archive/Getty
In 1966, the couple waved and greeted the crowd as they walked through the Calgary Rodeo Festival.
13 of 13
Full house
Robert Kennedy with his wife and ten children. Photo: Bettman
A photograph taken around 1965 shows the Kennedys with all 10 of their children, before baby Rory was born after Robert's death.
Read the original article on People.