When it came time to celebrate President John F. Kennedy's 45th birthday, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy found herself in a tricky situation. Should she attend the star-studded gala at Madison Square Garden, where Marilyn Monroe was set to sing "Happy Birthday"? Jackie, who had heard whispers about her husband's alleged affair with the Hollywood icon, decided to steer clear of what could have been an embarrassing spectacle. Instead, she opted for a more intimate gathering—a barbecue at her Virginia retreat with her family—allowing JFK to enjoy the event solo.
Decades after her passing, the life and secrets of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis continue to captivate the public imagination. "Even with all her wealth, power, and celebrity status, people still see themselves in her," says J. Randy Taraborrelli, author of the revealing new book Jackie: Public, Private, Secret. Despite the heartaches and challenges she faced in love and marriage, Jackie always sought to learn from her experiences and grow as a person.
Jackie's Hesitation Before Marrying JFK
Before tying the knot with JFK, Jackie had serious reservations about his notorious playboy reputation. In fact, she almost called off the wedding altogether. "The decision to marry JFK wasn't just Jackie's—it was also influenced heavily by her mother, Janet, who played a pivotal role in her life," explains Taraborrelli. Janet herself had endured a painful marriage to Jackie's father, Jack Bouvier, who was unfaithful, and she didn't want her daughter to suffer the same fate.
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So how close did Jackie come to leaving JFK at the altar? Pretty darn close. "As everyone was busy preparing for the big day, Jackie sort of vanished," says Taraborrelli. "She eventually came back, determined to make the best of the situation, but her concerns were valid. Once things got rolling, it was hard to change course."
Jackie's Heartbreak After the Loss of Her First Child
Jackie's ability to overlook JFK's infidelity was tested when she faced the tragic loss of their stillborn daughter, Arabella, in 1956. "At the time, JFK was on a cruise, and when Jackie suffered the stillbirth, he didn't rush home to be by her side," reveals Taraborrelli. Devastated and angered by his lack of compassion, Jackie confided in her sister-in-law Ethel Kennedy that she was ready to file for divorce. "[Kennedy patriarch] Joe Kennedy approached Jackie and offered her $100,000 to stay in the marriage and have at least one child," the author explains. Practical by nature, Jackie accepted the deal, feeling she deserved it after everything she'd endured. The birth of their daughter Caroline in 1957 led Joe to honor his promise, depositing the agreed-upon sum—equivalent to roughly $1 million today—into Jackie's bank account.
A Complex Love Story
Despite their numerous challenges, Jackie and JFK shared a genuine bond. "He wasn't the perfect partner for her, but she loved him deeply," says Taraborrelli. The arrival of Caroline and John Jr. brought them closer together, and after the death of their youngest child, Patrick, in 1963, JFK vowed to dedicate himself fully to their marriage. "Unfortunately, just a couple of months later, he was assassinated," Taraborrelli reflects.
Jackie's Marriage to Aristotle Onassis
Following the assassination of her brother-in-law, Robert Kennedy, in 1968, Jackie made the decision to marry Aristotle Onassis. The Greek shipping magnate wasn't just wealthy; he also provided her with his own security detail, which she believed would safeguard her and her children. Their union, however, came with certain conditions. "They were intimate only once, and it didn't work out for them, so they agreed to an open marriage," Taraborrelli discloses. Jackie was aware that opera singer Maria Callas would remain a part of Onassis's life.
Onassis had begun his affair with Callas back in 1957. Even during his marriage to Jackie, he continued to see her, paying for her Paris apartment. He forbade Jackie from confronting Callas, but Jackie's curiosity got the better of her. "She went to Maria's home and watched from across the street," shares the secretary of Jackie's Greek sister-in-law. "She reportedly said, 'I saw Maria walking out of her building, this lonely woman in a drab raincoat,' and decided to leave her alone."
Jackie's Final Years
After Onassis's death in 1975, Jackie returned to New York City full-time. She had known businessman Maurice Tempelsman since the 1950s, and in 1982, they became a couple, sharing Jackie's Central Park apartment. "Maurice was her companion, not her lover," writes Taraborrelli, noting that they maintained separate bedrooms. Marriage wasn't an option for them, as it would have complicated their finances and legacies for their children. Additionally, Maurice understood that Jackie wouldn't convert to Judaism for him. He remained unmarried to his wife, Lily, but was Jackie's loyal companion until her death in 1994.
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Though Jackie's romantic life may seem unconventional, she always stayed true to herself. "Her mother instilled in her the belief that she was a unique individual," says Taraborrelli. "Whether with or without a man, Jackie always felt whole."
