Jackie Kennedy made a discreet return to the White House in 1971, nearly eight years after her husband John F. Kennedy's assassination, as reported by The Guardian.
Seeking a private visit before the official unveiling of Kennedy's portrait, Jackie wrote a letter to then-first lady Pat Nixon, highlighting the significance of the visit and the warmth extended by Pat Nixon during their time at the White House.
Invited by Nixon to attend the formal portrait unveiling, Jackie found the prospect overwhelming. In a handwritten letter dated January 27, 1971, she expressed her reluctance, stating, "As you know, the thought of returning to the White House is difficult for me." She conveyed her apprehensions about subjecting her children to the media attention and traumatic memories associated with their father's tragic circumstances.
Rather than participating in an official ceremony, Jackie proposed a private visit, suggesting, "Perhaps any day before or after, at your convenience, the children and I could discreetly enter Washington and come to pay our respects and see the photos in private?" Nixon accepted the proposal, and in late January, Jackie, accompanied by her children Caroline Kennedy (then 13) and John F. Kennedy Jr. (10), visited the White House.
During the visit, Pat Nixon ensured no family photos were taken. She, along with her daughters Julie and Patricia, offered an inti--te tour, sharing the historical and personal significance of each place. The Kennedy children had the chance to meet the Nixon dogs, and President Richard Nixon told them the legend associated with sitting on Lincoln's bed and making a wish.
After the visit, Jackie expressed her gratitude in a letter to the president and first lady, praising their magnanimity and tenderness. She remarked on the precious gift of returning to the White House privately with her children, guided by the Nixons and their daughters.
The Kennedy children also sent thank-you notes to the Nixons. John F. Kennedy Jr. shared his enjoyment of the photos, expressing a particular fondness for the images of Native Americans and presidents, along with his love for the White House dogs. Caroline Kennedy echoed the sentiment, describing everything as perfect and everyone as exceptionally kind during their visit.
