In 1945, she received a bachelor of arts degree from Rosemont College, where she was active in both directing and acting in theatrical productions.

Her ongoing fascination with Hollywood was fueled by her father's stories and adventures there as a movie mogul heading RKO Pictures.

She then moved to Hollywood to work as an assistant for singer Kate Smith's radio program, and later for Father Peyton's Family Rosary Crusade.

[4] In addition to her work in show business, Patricia was a tireless supporter of her brothers' political campaigns.

Patricia and Peter (who was a member of Frank Sinatra's "Rat Pack") held lavish parties at their Malibu mansion during the 1950s and early 1960s with guests such as Marilyn Monroe.

Kennedy could not tolerate Lawford's heavy drinking, extramarital affairs, and gradual addiction to drugs.

Shortly after her brother Jack's death in 1963, she filed for a legal separation, and the couple officially divorced in February 1966.