The Complex Relationship Between JFK and Jackie Kennedy
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President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy captured the nation's attention as a captivating First Couple from 1961 until 1963. However, the reality behind their seemingly magical relationship was far more complex.
Both Jack Kennedy and Jackie Bouvier hailed from affluent backgrounds but grew up in notably different environments. At the time of their marriage, John was serving as a Democratic Congressman from Massachusetts, a position that would soon elevate him to the presidency in just seven years. Tragically, their long marriage came to an abrupt end with John’s assassination on November 22, 1963, marking a profound loss.
Their decade-long union was filled with both joy and sorrow, punctuated by moments of deep tragedy and infidelity. Let’s delve into the specifics:
JFK Was Not Jackie’s First Fiancé
When Jackie Bouvier accepted John F. Kennedy’s marriage proposal in May 1953, it wasn't her first engagement. In December 1951, she was dating John Hulsted Jr., and they became engaged shortly after. However, by April 1952, Jackie’s uncertainties about their future together led her to call off the engagement.
When Jackie Gave Birth to Their Stillborn Child, JFK Was Away
On August 23, 1956, Jackie went into premature labor and delivered their first child, who was stillborn. Instead of being by her side, John was reportedly yachting in the Mediterranean with a mistress. According to The Washington Post, he hesitated to return home even after hearing the devastating news three days later, as the child was already lost. Despite their troubled relationship, the couple went on to have two more children, Caroline in 1957 and John in 1960.
Jackie's Multilingual Skills Boosted JFK's Campaign
Jackie Bouvier had a passion for languages, having majored in French at university and spent time studying in Paris. Fluent in French, Spanish, and Italian, she utilized her language skills during John’s 1960 presidential campaign, even speaking Spanish to voters.
John was quite protective and didn’t want Jackie to associate with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, whom she would later marry. Despite his own extramarital affairs, JFK expected Jackie to remain faithful. He instructed Secret Service agents to keep her away from Onassis during their trip to Europe in 1961, fearing her association with the wealthy tycoon.
What Were JFK's Last Words to Jackie?
On November 22, 1963, while riding in a presidential limousine through Dallas, Texas, Jackie donned sunglasses to shield her eyes from the bright sun. John, however, preferred that she not cover her face, as the public had gathered to see them. Just moments before a sniper’s attack, he asked her to remove her sunglasses.
The Couple's First Meeting
After graduating from George Washington University in 1951, Jackie Bouvier worked as a photographer for The Washington Times-Herald, where she interviewed prominent figures. It was during this time in Washington, D.C., that she first met John Kennedy at a social gathering arranged by mutual acquaintances.
Jackie's Doubts About Marriage
When John proposed in May 1953, Jackie had her reservations. Aware of John’s reputation as a womanizer, she feared the potential strain on their marriage. Coming from a small family, with only one sister and divorced parents, she was daunted by the large Kennedy family and concerned about their conflicting priorities—believing John would prioritize his political career over their relationship.
John's Affairs with White House Staff
John F. Kennedy engaged in affairs with several members of his White House staff, creating an imbalance of power that was heavily skewed in his favor. Notable among his alleged mistresses were Pamela Turnure, Jackie’s secretary, along with Priscilla Wear and Jill Cowen, who were nicknamed “Fiddle” and “Faddle” by the Secret Service. Tragically, 19-year-old Mimi Alford, a young intern, was also involved with him, representing the most vulnerable position within the White House hierarchy.
Final Thoughts
JFK and Jackie’s relationship, while appearing idyllic to the outside world, was fraught with difficulties and betrayals, highlighting the truth that appearances can be deceiving.