Jacqueline Lee "Jackie" Kennedy Onassis, best known as Jackie Kennedy, was one of the most influential and admired women of the 20th century. From her time as the First Lady of the United States to her later years as a cultural icon, Jackie’s life was filled with glamour, personal tragedies, and a lasting legacy in American history.
Jackie was born on July 28, 1929, and became a public figure when she married John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States. Her style, grace, and strength, especially after her husband’s assassination in 1963, made her an enduring symbol of dignity and elegance.
Summary Table of Key Events in Jackie Kennedy’s Life
| Year | Event | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| 1929 | Birth | Born in Southampton, New York |
| 1953 | Marriage to JFK | Married John F. Kennedy |
| 1961-1963 | First Lady | Served as First Lady of the United States |
| 1963 | JFK’s Assassination | Witnessed JFK’s assassination in Dallas, Texas |
| 1968 | Remarriage | Married Aristotle Onassis |
| 1994 | Death | Died from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma at age 64 |
Key Takeaways
- Jackie Kennedy was the First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963, married to President John F. Kennedy.
- She was known for her impeccable fashion sense and contributions to the arts and historic preservation.
- After JFK’s assassination, Jackie remarried Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.
- Jackie passed away in 1994 at the age of 64 from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Her iconic pink suit, worn during JFK’s assassination, remains a symbol of that tragic day and will not be displayed publicly until 2103.
Jackie Kennedy Onassis – A Life of Grace and Tragedy
After President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Jackie became a widow at the young age of 34. Her poised and graceful response to the national tragedy earned her widespread admiration. In 1968, she remarried Aristotle Onassis, a wealthy Greek shipping magnate, and lived much of her life out of the public eye, preferring a quieter existence.
Despite the tragedies in her personal life, including the loss of two children, Jackie remained a strong and dignified figure. Her love for history, the arts, and preservation left a lasting impact, as she was instrumental in restoring and protecting historical landmarks, including the White House.
Jackie Kennedy’s Style – Timeless Fashion Icon
Jackie Kennedy’s style is legendary. From her wedding dress designed by Ann Lowe to her tailored suits, pillbox hats, and simple but elegant gowns, she was a fashion trendsetter. One of her most famous outfits is the pink Chanel suit she wore on the day of JFK’s assassination in Dallas, Texas. The suit, still stained with the tragic memory of that day, is kept out of public view and will not be displayed until 2103.
Her classic and polished look continues to inspire fashion designers and enthusiasts alike, and Jackie remains one of the most recognizable fashion icons in modern history.
Jackie Kennedy’s Children and Family Life
Jackie Kennedy had four children, although not all survived infancy. Her daughter, Caroline Kennedy, and her son, John F. Kennedy Jr., grew up in the public eye. Tragically, Jackie lost her infant son Patrick and had a stillborn daughter. After John Jr.’s death in a plane crash in 1999, Caroline became the sole surviving member of her immediate family.
Throughout her life, Jackie maintained a close relationship with her extended family, including Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy. The Kennedy family, often described as American royalty, faced numerous tragedies, but Jackie remained a figure of strength and unity for them.
Jackie Kennedy’s Legacy in Film and Pop Culture
Jackie Kennedy’s life has been portrayed in many films, including the 2016 movie Jackie, in which Natalie Portman played her. The movie focuses on her life immediately following JFK’s assassination and her struggle to cope with grief while preserving her husband’s legacy. The film received critical acclaim for its portrayal of Jackie’s emotional resilience during one of the most challenging periods of her life.
Jackie’s unique style, her pink suit, and her calm demeanor in the face of adversity have been widely replicated in costumes, fashion, and pop culture, cementing her place in history as a cultural icon.
FAQs
When did Jackie Kennedy die?
Jackie Kennedy died on May 19, 1994, at the age of 64, after battling non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Where is Jackie Kennedy buried?
Jackie Kennedy is buried beside her first husband, John F. Kennedy, at Arlington National Cemetery.
What is the significance of Jackie Kennedy’s pink suit?
Jackie Kennedy’s pink Chanel suit, worn during JFK’s assassination, has become a symbol of that tragic event. It is currently preserved but will not be displayed publicly until 2103.
Did Jackie Kennedy remarry after John F. Kennedy’s death?
Yes, Jackie Kennedy married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1968, five years after JFK’s assassination.
How many children did Jackie Kennedy have?
Jackie Kennedy had four children: Caroline, John F. Kennedy Jr., Patrick (who died shortly after birth), and a stillborn daughter.
What movies have been made about Jackie Kennedy?
The 2016 film Jackie, starring Natalie Portman, is a notable portrayal of Jackie Kennedy’s life, focusing on her experiences following JFK’s assassination.
How old was Jackie Kennedy when she died?
Jackie Kennedy was 64 years old when she passed away in 1994.
Jackie Kennedy’s legacy continues to inspire people across generations. Her grace, resilience, and style have left an indelible mark on history, and she remains a symbol of strength in times of personal and national crisis.