When John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy returned from their two-week honeymoon in Turkey, they were greeted by an unexpected surprise. Photographers had staked out their NYC loft, eagerly waiting for a glimpse of the newlyweds. This intrusion into their private lives set the tone for the challenges they would face as a couple in the public eye.
A Chivalrous Plea for Privacy
John, ever the gentleman, addressed the photographers with grace. "Getting married is a big adjustment for us," he told them. "And for a private citizen like Carolyn, it's even more challenging. I ask you to give her all the privacy and room you can." His words reflected his deep concern for his bride's well-being and his desire to protect her from the relentless media spotlight.
The Public's Fascination
In the late 1990s, the world was captivated by the union of the Kennedy scion and the stylish former fashion publicist. Unfortunately, the public's fascination never waned, placing immense stress on their marriage, especially on Carolyn. Elizabeth Beller, author of Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, reveals the harsh reality of their lives. "There is no way anybody could have predicted the frenzy and viciousness that the tabloids would have toward her," Beller exclusively tells Closer. "Whenever she left home, photographers surrounded her, making her feel physically unsafe. It was like being hunted."
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A Different Side of Carolyn
Beller's new book aims to showcase a different side of Carolyn, who has often been portrayed negatively since her tragic death with John and her sister Lauren in a plane crash 25 years ago. "There was a misconception that she was heartless and cold," says Beller. "But people who knew her said she was the total opposite of how the tabloids portrayed her." The book seeks to humanize Carolyn, revealing her warmth and compassion.
A Love Story Begins
Theirs was a love story that began at Calvin Klein's flagship store, where Carolyn worked. Drawn to each other's beauty, humor, and compassion, they began dating quietly. "He was a very down-to-earth person, as was she," says Beller. "They shared values about authenticity in relationships and in their friendships. They also just laughed a lot together — something that everyone I spoke with pointed out." Despite John's past relationships with celebrities like Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Daryl Hannah, Carolyn's poise, intelligence, and warmth captivated him.
A Bond Forged in Compassion
"Carolyn was a caretaker, and John carried a heavy burden," explains Beller. "He lost his father, his uncle, and by then, his mother. Carolyn had a history of taking people under her wing who had been hurt in some way. That really drew them together." Carolyn entered the marriage aware that John was considering running for political office, but she underestimated how completely her personal privacy would be erased. "It was such an invasion that it was hard for them to even have alone time together," says Beller.
A Life Stolen by Fame
In a short time, the couple's apartment began to feel like a prison. "She was somebody who enjoyed New York to its fullest," says Beller. "She loved going out to dinner, to plays and movies. The paparazzi following her every move truly stole a lot. She began to feel that fame was the thief of joy." Misinformation about the night John's plane crashed in heavy fog in July 1999, killing everyone onboard, has persisted. Beller clarifies, "Nobody made them late. Heavy traffic leaving the city on a Friday night in summer slowed them down."
A Compassionate Legacy
While it's impossible to know if John and Carolyn's marriage would have survived if they'd lived, many believe they stood a good chance. "Carolyn was a good wife to John," says Beller. "I like to think they’d still be together because they were both very compassionate people." Their story remains a poignant reminder of the price of fame and the importance of privacy in a relationship.
