spasmodic dysphonia
In an interview with Oprah in 2007, Kennedy revealed his dysphonia began in 2001, when he was 47. He has lived with the disease for 20 years.
It started off as a mild tremble for a few years but Kennedy continued to make public appearances. He received many letters praising him for speaking about his condition.
He revealed spasmodic dysphonia doesn’t hurt but means he needs to make more effort when speaking. Kennedy was told the condition wouldn’t worsen – but it definitely has.