50 Interesting Facts about Jackie Kennedy

Dan April 17, 2023

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, also known as Jackie Kennedy, was the First Lady of the United States from 1961 until 1963, during the presidency of her husband, John F. Kennedy. She was born on July 28, 1929, in Southampton, New York, and grew up in a wealthy and influential family. After attending college at Vassar and George Washington University, she began working as a photographer and journalist.

Jackie Kennedy’s most prominent role was as First Lady, where she became known for her grace, style, and elegance. She was an accomplished hostess and socialite and was admired for her fashion sense, which was a significant influence on American fashion in the 1960s. She also played an active role in the Kennedy administration, championing the arts and historic preservation.

After her husband’s assassination in 1963, Jackie Kennedy became a widow at the age of 34. She later remarried to Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1968. However, her second marriage was marred by tragedy when Onassis died of cancer in 1975.

Despite the tragedies in her life, Jackie Kennedy remained a respected figure and continued to be involved in cultural and historical preservation. She became an editor at Viking Press and helped to publish several important works, including the diaries of Arthur Schlesinger Jr. She also played a key role in the establishment of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Jackie Kennedy passed away on May 19, 1994, at the age of 64.

President Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy

Here are 50 interesting facts about Jackie Kennedy to give more information about her.

1. Jacqueline Lee Bouvier was born on July 28, 1929, in Southampton, New York.
2. Her father was John Vernou Bouvier III, a wealthy stockbroker, and her mother was Janet Lee Bouvier, a socialite.
3. Jackie Kennedy had one younger sister, Caroline Lee Bouvier, who was born in 1933.
4. She grew up in a privileged household and attended private schools in New York City.
5. As a child, Jackie Kennedy was an accomplished equestrian and won several awards in horseback riding.
6. She attended Vassar College for two years before transferring to George Washington University, where she earned a degree in French literature.
7. Jackie Kennedy was fluent in French and Spanish.
8. She worked as a photographer and journalist for the Washington Times-Herald before marrying John F. Kennedy in 1953.
9. She and JFK had four children: Caroline, John Jr., Patrick, and Arabella (who was stillborn).
10. Jackie Kennedy was the youngest First Lady in American history at the age of 31 when JFK was elected president.
11. She was known for her sense of style and elegance and became a fashion icon in the 1960s.
12. Jackie Kennedy was a passionate advocate for the arts and historic preservation.
13. She worked to restore the White House and oversaw the creation of the Fine Arts Committee, which aimed to promote American culture.
14. Jackie Kennedy was a skilled horsewoman and often rode with her children on the White House grounds.
15. She also loved to travel and visited several countries during her time as First Lady, including France, India, and Pakistan.
16. Jackie Kennedy was present at JFK’s inauguration on January 20, 1961, and famously wore a pink wool suit and pillbox hat.
17. She was sitting next to JFK when he was assassinated in Dallas, Texas, on November 22, 1963.
18. Jackie Kennedy refused to change out of her blood-stained clothes after JFK’s assassination, saying, “Let them see what they have done.”
19. She became a widow at the age of 34 and had to raise her two children alone.
20. Jackie Kennedy was fiercely protective of her children and shielded them from the public eye as much as possible.
21. She later married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1968.
22. Jackie Kennedy was known for her interest in literature and often read books in multiple languages.
23. She was a big fan of the works of Russian author Leo Tolstoy and would often read his books in the original Russian.
24. Jackie Kennedy was an accomplished pianist and often played for her family and friends.
25. She was a patron of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and donated many of her own personal items to the museum.
26. Jackie Kennedy was a skilled interior decorator and often decorated her own homes.
27. She was a big fan of the musical “Camelot” and often played the soundtrack on her record player.
28. Jackie Kennedy was a supporter of civil rights and worked behind the scenes to help pass the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
29. She was also an advocate for mental health and worked to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness.
30. Jackie Kennedy was an avid gardener and often tended to her own gardens.
31. She was a collector of antiques and fine art and owned several valuable pieces.
32. Jackie Kennedy was an early supporter of the feminist movement and advocated for equal rights for women.
33. She was known for her impeccable handwriting and often wrote personal notes and letters to friends and family.
34. Jackie Kennedy was a supporter of the arts and served as the honorary chairperson of the American Ballet Theatre.
35. She was an early proponent of historic preservation and worked to save several historic buildings from demolition.
36. Jackie Kennedy was a skilled linguist and spoke several languages, including French, Spanish, and Italian.
37. She was a big fan of fashion and worked with designer Oleg Cassini to create many of her iconic outfits.
38. Jackie Kennedy was known for her signature hairstyle, which featured a bouffant hairdo with a side part.
39. She was a big fan of the Kennedy family dog, a Welsh terrier named Charlie.
40. Jackie Kennedy was known for her love of jewelry and owned several valuable pieces, including a diamond and emerald necklace that was a gift from her husband.
41. She was a talented equestrian and often rode horses with her family at their estate in Virginia.
42. Jackie Kennedy was a supporter of the arts and hosted several events at the White House featuring musicians, poets, and writers.
43. She was an advocate for historic preservation and worked to save several historic buildings from demolition, including Lafayette Square in Washington D.C.
44. Jackie Kennedy was a supporter of the space program and watched the first manned space flight on television with her children.
45. She was a lover of the outdoors and often went camping and hiking with her family.
46. Jackie Kennedy was a patron of the Metropolitan Opera and attended several performances during her time as First Lady.
47. She was a supporter of the Kennedy family’s philanthropic efforts and often donated her own money to charitable causes.
48. Jackie Kennedy was a talented artist and often painted and sketched in her spare time.
49. She was a devoted mother and often wrote personal letters to her children while they were away at school.
50. Jackie Kennedy remains a beloved figure in American history and is remembered for her grace, intelligence, and elegance.

Jackie Kennedy was a woman of many talents and interests, who was known for her grace, elegance, and intelligence. As First Lady, she brought a new sense of style and sophistication to the White House and became an icon of fashion and culture. She was also a devoted mother, a patron of the arts, and an advocate for historic preservation and the environment. Despite facing personal tragedies and challenges, she remained a symbol of strength and resilience throughout her life. Jackie Kennedy’s legacy continues to inspire people around the world and she will always be remembered as one of the most influential and beloved First Ladies in American history.