Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, known for her iconic style and enduring influence, was an American socialite, writer, and editor who served as First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963.

ABOUT

Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis was born on July 28, 1929, in Southampton, New York, and passed away on May 19, 1994. As the wife of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States, she became a global icon of sophistication and grace. Her poise and fashion sense left an indelible mark on the public consciousness, embodying an era of elegance and political glamour in the early 1960s. Following the tragic assassination of her husband in 1963, she remarried Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis and continued to captivate the world with her charm and fortitude.

BEFORE FAME

Jacqueline came from a well-to-do and socially prominent family. She was the daughter of Wall Street stockbroker John Vernou Bouvier III and socialite Janet Norton Lee. Growing up, she had a keen interest in literature, horseback riding, and French culture. Jackie attended the Chapin School in New York City, Miss Porter's School in Farmington, Connecticut, and later, Vassar College. After studying abroad at the Sorbonne in Paris, she finished her education at George Washington University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in French literature in 1951.

TRIVIA

• Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis spoke fluent French, which she used to charm foreign dignitaries and enhance U.S. diplomatic relations.
• As First Lady, she was instrumental in the restoration and preservation of the White House, establishing the White House Historical Association.
• She won an Emmy Award in 1962 for her television special, “A Tour of the White House with Mrs. John F. Kennedy,” which offered Americans an unprecedented look inside the presidential residence.
• After the death of President Kennedy, she became the editor at the publishing firm Doubleday, contributing significantly to the literary world.

FAMILY LIFE

Jacqueline married John F. Kennedy on September 12, 1953. Together, they had four children: Arabella (stillborn), Caroline, John F. Kennedy Jr., and Patrick (who died two days after birth). After the untimely death of John F. Kennedy, she married Aristotle Onassis in 1968, blending into a new family but maintaining her vital role as a public and cultural figure. Her step-children from this marriage were Alexandre and Christina Onassis.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was closely associated with many notable figures of her time. She remains a profound influence on fashion and public service. During her tenure as First Lady, she was connected with numerous artists, designers, and political figures such as Pablo Casals, André Malraux, and Oleg Cassini. Long after her time in the White House, she continued to engage with influential personalities across various fields, constantly shaping the cultural landscape of her era.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's legacy lives on through her contributions to American history, her unwavering dignity during times of personal tragedy, and her enduring sense of style. Her life story is a testament to resilience, grace, and the lasting impact an individual can have on the fabric of national identity.