Jacqueline "Jackie" Kennedy

 

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, born in 1929, was a woman of grace and elegance. She captivated the world as the stylish first lady and the wife of President John F. Kennedy. Her second marriage to Aristotle Onassis, a wealthy man, added to her allure.

Growing up, Jacqueline enjoyed horseback riding, writing, and painting. Her parents' divorce led her to split time between Merrywood estate and Hammersmith Farm. She attended boarding school and later Vassar College, where she fell in love with French culture during her time at the Sorbonne. After graduating from George Washington University, she worked as a reporter-photographer. Her coverage of Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1952 was particularly noteworthy. Jacqueline's life was filled with elegance and sophistication, leaving a lasting legacy.

Marriage to John F. Kennedy and the 1960 election

In 1951, Jacqueline crossed paths with John F. Kennedy, a charming congressman from Massachusetts. Two years later, they tied the knot in a grand ceremony in Rhode Island. Despite facing hardships early on, including health issues and personal loss, their family grew with the arrival of daughter Caroline in 1957 and son John Jr. in 1960. Jacqueline made her mark as First Lady by bringing culture and sophistication to the White House. She worked tirelessly to preserve its history and elegance, establishing the White House Historical Association and leading a televised tour of the mansion in 1962. Her efforts ensured that the White House would remain a symbol of American heritage for generations to come.

In 1951, Jacqueline crossed paths with John F. Kennedy, a congressman and son of prominent figures Rose and Joseph P. Kennedy. During her time as First Lady, Jacqueline captivated the nation with her grace and style. Her travels with President Kennedy garnered admiration for her beauty, fashion sense, and linguistic abilities. In a lighthearted moment in France, President Kennedy humorously referred to himself as the man accompanying Jacqueline. After the tragic events in Dallas, Jacqueline displayed remarkable composure as she stood by Lyndon Johnson during the oath of office.

Her dignified handling of her husband's funeral arrangements and her public appearances with her children drew admiration worldwide. Despite personal hardships, including health issues and pregnancy complications, Jacqueline remained dedicated to supporting her husband's political aspirations. Her efforts to preserve and showcase the White House's historical significance left a lasting impact.

Marriage to Aristotle Onassis and later years

Jacqueline made her home in a bustling New York City apartment for the rest of her days. Despite the constant glare of paparazzi and tabloids, she remained a beacon of grace and elegance. In 1968, she tied the knot with Aristotle Onassis, but their union faced challenges. Jacqueline found solace in her work as an editor, her passion for the arts, and her dedication to preserving historical landmarks. Maurice Templeman, her steadfast companion, stood by her side until the end. Her battle with illness ended in 1994, but her legacy lives on. Buried alongside her beloved husband and children, Jacqueline's story is one of both tragedy and glamour. Her spirit, encapsulated by the term "Camelot," continues to inspire generations.

Elizabeth Kilbride is a Writer and Editor with forty years of experience in writing with 12 of those years in the online content sphere. Author of 5 books and a Graduate with an Associate of Arts from Pheonix University in Business Management, then a degree. Mass Communication and Cyber Analysis from Phoenix University, then on to Walden University for her master’s in criminology with emphasis on Cybercrime and Identity Theft and is currently studying for her Ph.D. degree in Criminology. Her work portfolio includes coverage of politics, current affairs, elections, history, and true crime. In her spare time, Elizabeth is also a gourmet cook, life coach, and avid artist, proficient in watercolor, acrylic, and oil, pen and ink, Gouche, and pastels. As a political operative having worked on over 300 campaigns during her career, Elizabeth has turned many life events into books and movie scripts while using history to weave interesting storylines. She also runs 6 blogs that range from art to life coaching, to food, to writing, and opinion or history pieces each week.