On July 16, 1999, a tragic event unfolded when John F. Kennedy Jr. boarded a small plane with his wife, Carolyn Bessette, and her sister, Lauren Bessette, intending to travel from New Jersey to Martha’s Vineyard and onward to Cape Cod for a family wedding. Unfortunately, the flight ended in disaster as the aircraft crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the Massachusetts coast, claiming the lives of all on board.
The untimely death of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette further fueled discussions surrounding the so-called “Kennedy curse,” a term that refers to the series of early deaths that have plagued the Kennedy family. Notable figures such as President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated at the age of 46, and his brother Robert F. Kennedy, who was also assassinated at 42, serve as reminders of this tragic legacy. The loss of JFK Jr. and Carolyn, a beautiful couple, amplified the haunting and glamorous narrative associated with their iconic parents.
Before meeting JFK Jr., Carolyn Bessette had established herself professionally, studying at Boston University and later working at Calvin Klein as a publicist. She began her relationship with Kennedy in 1994 and moved into his Tribeca apartment the following year. In a private ceremony in September 1996, they were married, but Carolyn often struggled to cope with the intense media scrutiny that came with being part of such a prominent family, a challenge that has drawn parallels to Meghan Markle’s experience when she became part of the British royal family.
The fascination surrounding JFK Jr. and Carolyn continues to thrive in popular culture. It has inspired upcoming projects like the CNN documentary titled “American Prince: JFK Jr.” and a drama series by Ryan Murphy called “American Love Story,” set to be released in August 2025.
Their enduring legacy is marked not just by their connection to American history but also by the poignant memories they left behind. A gallery of their photos serves as a reminder of their love, which was tragically cut short.