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Renowned Poet X.J. Kennedy Passes Away at 96

2/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

X.J. Kennedy, an American poet, died at 96 in Peabody, Massachusetts, his son confirmed.
His 1961 book "Nude Descending a Staircase" won the Lamont Poetry Prize.
Kennedy served as poetry editor for The Paris Review from 1962 to 1964, shaping contemporary poetry.
Kennedy remained devoted to traditional forms such as the ballad and sonnet, even as free verse gained popularity.

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Story summary

X.J. Kennedy, an American poet, died at 96 in Peabody, Massachusetts, his son confirmed.
His 1961 book "Nude Descending a Staircase" won the Lamont Poetry Prize.
Kennedy served as poetry editor for The Paris Review from 1962 to 1964, shaping contemporary poetry.
Kennedy remained devoted to traditional forms such as the ballad and sonnet, even as free verse gained popularity.