John Kennedy Jr.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr., often referred to as John-John or JFK Jr., was an American lawyer, journalist, and magazine publisher. He was the only son of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. As a member of the illustrious Kennedy family, his life was under the media spotlight from the day he was born. His untimely death in a plane crash in 1999 was a national tragedy, cutting short the promising life of a man many hoped would follow in his father's political footsteps.

ABOUT

John F. Kennedy Jr. was born on November 25, 1960, just 16 days after his father was elected as the 35th President of the United States. John Jr. became a public figure almost immediately, often photographed with his parents and later, following his father's assassination, closely watched as he grew up under the careful guidance of his mother, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. John was known for his charm, good looks, and the high standards he set for himself, striving to make his own mark despite the shadow of his father's legacy.

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

John attended several prestigious schools, including The Collegiate School in New York City and Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in American Studies from Brown University in 1983. He also spent a year studying at the University of Delhi in India as part of Brown's exchange program. Following his graduation, John worked at the New York City Office of Business Development and later attended New York University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctor degree in 1989.

BEFORE FAME

Even before launching his career, John was a familiar face to the American public due to his frequent appearances in the media and the historical significance of his father's presidency. His salute during the funeral procession of his father in 1963 became an iconic image etched in the national memory.

PROFESSIONAL CAREER

After passing the New York bar on his third attempt, John served as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan for nearly four years. However, in pursuit of his own path, he moved away from legal practice to undertake a series of entrepreneurial ventures. His most notable project was the founding of "George" magazine in 1995, a glossy publication that merged politics and popular culture.

TRIVIA

• John F. Kennedy Jr. was named after his paternal grandfather, John F. Kennedy Sr.
• He was an avid pilot and tragically died when the aircraft he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Martha's Vineyard on July 16, 1999.
• "George" magazine was named after George Washington, reflecting Kennedy's admiration for the founding father.
• Despite the frequent media coverage, John maintained a relatively private personal life and avoided discussing his family in public.

FAMILY LIFE

John's personal life was the subject of intense media scrutiny. He dated several high-profile women, including actresses Daryl Hannah and Sarah Jessica Parker. Ultimately, he married Carolyn Bessette in 1996 in a private ceremony on Cumberland Island, Georgia. The couple was known for their stylish appearances and became a favorite subject of the paparazzi. Tragically, both John and Carolyn, along with her sister Lauren Bessette, perished in the 1999 plane crash.

ASSOCIATED WITH

As a member of the Kennedy dynasty, John F. Kennedy Jr. was associated with a family that has played a significant role in American politics for decades. His father, President John F. Kennedy, was one of the most beloved presidents in U.S. history, and his uncles, Robert F. Kennedy and Ted Kennedy, were influential political figures as well. John Jr.’s life, much like that of his relatives, was marked by public service, ambition, and an enduring public fascination.

LEGACY

John F. Kennedy Jr.’s legacy is one of unfulfilled potential and enduring charisma. He remains a symbol of his generation's aspirations and the enduring mystique of the Kennedy family. Despite his tragic end, John's impact on media, politics, and American culture continues to be felt.