Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, the iconic former First Lady of the United States, would have turned 91 today.
Born in 1929 during the Great Depression, she lived a life filled with triumphs and tragedies. Her impact on history, culture, and society remains significant, even beyond her role as First Lady.
The eldest daughter of John Vernou Bouvier III and Janet Lee Bouvier, Jackie graduated in 1951 with a degree in French literature. Her life took a dramatic turn when she met Congressman John F. Kennedy in 1952, leading to their marriage in 1953.
Despite personal hardships, including the loss of two children, Jackie's time as First Lady was marked by her restoration of the White House and her promotion of arts and culture.
James Patterson's book, 'The House of Kennedy,' delves into the complexities of Jackie's relationship with JFK. Despite the president's well-known affairs, Jackie believed their love was worth the challenges. The tragic assassination of JFK in 1963 left Jackie as a witness to history, an event captured in a chilling recording that would resonate for generations.
In 1968, five years after JFK's death, Jackie married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. The union brought together two families linked by tragedy. Their wedding, marked by 40 guests, portrayed happiness despite the serious prenuptial contract's 170 clauses governing asset distribution in case of divorce.
Contrary to a divorce, Onassis passed away in 1975. Recently surfaced documents revealed that Jackie inherited approximately $20.5 million (over 19 million euros) from Onassis's fortune, waiving her claim in favor of their daughter, Christina Onassis.
Beyond marriages and financial matters, Jackie's life was marked by a strained relationship with her sister, Lee Radziwill. Despite their differences, Jackie's impact on art, culture, and history endures as a defining legacy. On what would have been her 91st birthday, Jackie Kennedy Onassis remains an enduring symbol of grace, resilience, and historical significance.
