Carole Radziwill has debunked a longstanding myth about her late friend John F. Kennedy Jr. in the new CNN docuseries, “American Prince.” The former “Real Housewives of New York City” star, who was married to John’s cousin Anthony Radziwill, addressed various tabloid rumors, particularly the claim that John was affectionately nicknamed “John John” by his family.
In her remarks, Carole, 61, expressed uncertainty about the origins of the nickname, suggesting that it stemmed from media portrayals rather than family use. “This whole John John thing, I don’t know where it came from,” she stated, affirming that neither his sister nor his parents referred to him using that name.
The nickname gained popularity in media coverage following John’s 1960 birth, but Carole pointed out that it reflected a misunderstanding, indicating that it was not genuine familial affection but rather a way for outsiders to convey closeness to him.
“American Prince” reveals new insights into the lives of John Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, showcasing their attempts to navigate their relationships amid family expectations. Carole reminisced about John’s desire for independence, citing his move to Tribeca, which reflected his wish to break free from traditional Kennedy norms.
After the passing of his mother, Jackie Kennedy, in 1994, John Jr. began to forge his own path. “There was almost…an emancipation after Jackie’s death,” Carole reflected, noting that it was a time of newfound freedom for him.
Tragically, John Jr., Carolyn, and her sister Lauren lost their lives in a plane crash in July 1999. The blow was compounded for Carole as she also lost her husband Anthony just weeks later. She disclosed her feelings of devastation from such profound losses, highlighting the deep bond between John Jr. and Anthony.
“American Prince” premieres on CNN on August 9, and will continue to air episodes weekly, offering a closer look at the dynamics of the Kennedy family and the personal stories behind the headlines. This docuseries promises to shed a compassionate light on the lives of two iconic figures of American history, reminding audiences of their humanity beyond the public personas.