The early relationship between John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was characterized by inconsistency and emotional turmoil, as highlighted in J. Randy Taraborrelli’s biography, JFK: Public, Private, Secret. Their journey began in July 1952 when Jackie visited the Kennedy family’s home in Hyannis Port for the Fourth of July. However, after that weekend, JFK became engrossed in his political career, leading to a two-month period of silence between the couple. This lack of contact left Jackie feeling unvalued. Taraborrelli notes that JFK viewed their intimacy as fleeting, treating it like a one-night stand rather than a significant connection, signaling early troubles in their partnership.
By November 1952, after winning his Senate seat, JFK’s priorities began to shift. The months without contact had taken a toll on Jackie, who felt abandoned and was confused by JFK’s sudden distance. Taraborrelli describes how Jackie, having assumed JFK was no longer interested, was hurt by what she perceived as being used. Their relationship faced a pivotal moment with an awkward phone call that felt like a breakup. JFK’s lack of communication, especially when he left for a European trip without informing Jackie, left their relationship hanging in uncertainty.
The dynamics began to change in January 1953 when Jackie accompanied JFK to several political events. This marked a new phase in their relationship, with JFK displaying a desire to include Jackie in his burgeoning political life. Jackie was enthusiastic about this newfound attention, and her mother, Janet Auchincloss, was equally captivated by the Kennedy family’s prestige. This period suggested a potential rekindling of their bond, indicating JFK’s shifting perspective on the relationship.
Their marriage in Newport in 1953 was another significant milestone for the couple. Together, they navigated the complexities of public life while facing private challenges, including the heartbreak of a stillborn child, Arabella, in 1956. Despite these challenges, they welcomed two children, Caroline and John Jr., in subsequent years. Their family faced tragedy again when their youngest son, Patrick, was born in 1963 but died shortly after birth. These experiences added layers of complexity to their relationship, reflecting both joy and deep sorrow.
Tragedy loomed over their marriage when JFK was assassinated in Dallas in November 1963 at the age of 46. This shocking event marked a definitive end to their shared life and left Jackie grappling with profound grief. Following JFK’s death, Jackie faced the challenge of preserving her husband’s legacy while navigating the pressures of public scrutiny. Eventually, she found a way to continue her life, ultimately passing away in May 1994 after a battle with cancer, at 64.
The biography JFK: Public, Private, Secret provides a nuanced look at their tumultuous relationship, illustrating the interplay of their personal struggles against the backdrop of political fame and family challenges. It portrays a complex portrait of two individuals united by marriage yet often emotionally worlds apart, coupled with the pressures and tragedies that defined their lives together. Their story is one of both deep love and significant trials, leaving a lasting impact that resonates long after their passing.
