In a memoir titled "Touched by the Sun: My Friendship with Jackie," singer Carly Simon unveiled a poignant detail about John F. Kennedy (JFK) that deeply affected Jackie Kennedy.
While JFK's reputation as a womanizer was well-known, Simon, who formed a friendship with the former First Lady in the last decade of her life, shed light on an aspect of JFK's behavior that had a profound impact on Jackie.
Simon, famous for her song "You're So Vain," revealed that Jackie, in a "cheerful but resigned way," confided in her about being aware of her husband's extramarital affairs. The memoir delves into the complexities of Jackie's emotions regarding JFK's infidelities. Simon, 74, shared in an interview with NBC News that Jackie was not disturbed by her husband's relationships, but certain incidents left a lasting impression, such as JFK's absence during the birth of a son while he was with a lover.
While JFK was present for the births of Caroline, John Jr., and Patrick (who died at two days old), he was on a Mediterranean yacht in 1956 when Jackie gave birth to a stillborn baby girl. Simon, who became close to Jackie in 1983, described her as "the mother she never had."
In 2013, Steven Livingston explained the circumstances of the stillborn birth to the Washington Post, stating that JFK, with a cold detachment, chose not to return as the newborn was already dead. Despite the challenges, Jackie remained by her husband's side until his assassination in 1963, displaying the strength that has become a part of 20th-century history.
Simon recounted Jackie's perspective on JFK's infidelities, noting that she told her in a resigned manner that she was aware of his lovers. Jackie seemingly prioritized Kennedy's deep love for her over his affairs. Simon reflected on Jackie's straightforward nature, stating, "Other people would be too nervous to tell me what they really thought about certain things... But Jackie was frank."
The singer-songwriter also shared a poignant moment from 1994 when she was among the few invited to Jackie's house as she battled lymphoma. Holding Jackie's hand, Simon expressed her love while Gregorian chants played in the background. Reflecting on the experience, Simon couldn't believe she was there, witnessing her friend's departure.
