John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette met a tragic end, but America’s fascination endures
The myth of the “Kennedy curse” began more over 60 years ago, when President John F Kennedy was assassinated, have fueled an ongoing public fascination that is reinforced by quieter, personal tragedies within the family.
In a namesake’s shadow
Jackie Kennedy gave birth to John F Kennedy Jr. On Nov 25, 1960, just weeks after her husband’s election victory. The siblings John and Caroline spent their early years running around the White House, even dancing in the Oval Office while their father watched from the desk.
John F Kennedy Jr. Would have only three years with his father; on Nov 22, 1963, President JFK was assassinated, and three days later, on John’s third birthday, he saluted his father’s coffin. Secret Service agent Clint Hill recalled the surreal juxtaposition of a funeral and a birthday celebration.
Historian Steven M Gillon wrote that “it wasn’t easy being John,” noting the pressure of wealth, looks, and connections. John tried to forge his own identity, launching the political magazine George in 1995 despite limited experience. In the inaugural editor’s letter he recalled a seminar instructor’s warning that “you can successfully launch a magazine in just about anything except for religion and politics.” Jackie reportedly asked, “John, is it going to be the Mad magazine of politics?”
American royalty
John F Kennedy Jr. Met Carolyn Bessette at Calvin Klein in the early 1990s while she assisted VIP clients. Their chemistry sparked a highly scrutinized romance that tabloids turned into a fashion‑icon narrative. Journalist Maureen Callahan described John as “the heir to Camelot” and highlighted Carolyn’s “self‑possession,” noting she initially ignored him.
Associate professor Lauren Rosewarne told ABC News that the couple fit the notion of American royalty, and the public’s fascination is amplified by their connection to a family that endured two high‑profile assassinations followed by their own tragic deaths.
Under scrutiny
The relationship faced intense media pressure. In 1996, photographers captured an animated argument in Central Park after brunch. Biographer J Randy Taraborrelli wrote that Carolyn felt “hunted” by the press, with images fetching high sums, especially when she appeared “miserable.” Senior George editor Richard Bradley added that John’s temper was known to insiders but not the public.
John and Carolyn married in a small candlelit ceremony later that year, with sister Caroline Kennedy serving as matron of honour. Their marriage lasted only three years before the fatal plane crash.
A dark, hazy night
On July 16, 1999, John, Carolyn, and Carolyn’s sister Lauren planned to fly from New Jersey to Martha’s Vineyard for cousin Rory’s wedding at the Kennedy Compound. John, certified for visual flight rules and midway through an instrument‑training course, piloted the light plane.
National Transportation Safety Board investigator Jeff Guzzetti said John “was not ready for that flight” and described the conditions as a dark night with haze and a poorly lit moon. The NTSB later concluded that spatial disorientation, compounded by the haze and darkness, caused the aircraft to spiral and crash, killing all three occupants.
Wreckage and bodies were recovered after five days, prompting an international media frenzy. Lisa Dallos of George magazine recalled calls from Katie Couric, Barbara Walters, and Diane Sawyer. Historian Steve Gillon called John’s actions “reckless,” writing that there is “no such thing as a Kennedy curse” but that the family tends to take risks others would not.
John’s ashes, along with Carolyn’s and Lauren’s, were scattered into the ocean off Martha’s Vineyard. Senator Edward “Teddy” Kennedy eulogized John, saying he belonged to “the American family” and that “the whole world knew his name before he did.”
The upcoming series could introduce a new generation to the Kennedy story, yet critics have already dissected details from Carolyn’s hair colour to the style of her Birkin bag, underscoring how the family’s pain remains in the public eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Kennedy curse”?
The “Kennedy curse” refers to the perception that the family has suffered a series of tragic events, beginning with President John F Kennedy’s assassination and continuing with later personal tragedies such as the 1999 plane crash that killed John F Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn, and her sister Lauren.
Who is producing the new television series about John F Kennedy Jr. And Carolyn Bessette?
Hollywood producer Ryan Murphy is behind the series titled “Love Story: John F Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette.” The project has drawn criticism from Kennedy family members for proceeding without consultation.
What caused the 1999 plane crash that killed John F Kennedy Jr.?
The National Transportation Safety Board concluded that John F Kennedy Jr. Fell victim to spatial disorientation, with darkness, haze, and an inadequately lit moon contributing to loss of control of the aircraft.
What do you think the renewed media focus on the Kennedys means for the family’s legacy?