Jackie, driven by a lifelong love of learning and diverse cultures, became fluent in French, Italian, and Spanish early in life. She translated French books for John F. Kennedy during his Senate days and impressed President Lyndon Johnson, who considered appointing her as the U.S. ambassador to Mexico for her Spanish fluency.

During the presidential campaign, Jackie’s multilingual skills resonated with voters in Louisiana (French) and Texas (Spanish). After charming a Parisian audience with her language proficiency, John F. Kennedy humorously introduced himself as “the man who accompanied Jackie Kennedy to Paris.”

A mere two weeks after John F. Kennedy’s 1961 inauguration, Jackie had already exhausted her $50,000 budget for White House renovations. Undeterred, she established the White House Fine Arts Committee, assembling top antiquarians to locate and bid on rare Americana pieces for redecoration. In a 1961 Life magazine article detailing her restoration plans, Jackie expressed her determination:

“Everything in the White House must have a reason for being there. It would be sacrilege merely to redecorate it—a word I hate. It must be restored, and that has nothing to do with decoration. That is a question of scholarship.”

Her White House redesign was showcased in a 1962 CBS hour-long special, attracting a staggering 80 million viewers and earning Jackie a special Emmy award

Prior to becoming the First Lady, Jackie Bouvier was briefly engaged to World War II veteran and Wall Street banker John Husted, as announced in The New York Times in January 1952 when she was 22. Feeling uneasy about the prospect of being a housewife, she called off the engagement in March. Shortly afterward, she began dating John F. Kennedy, then a U.S. Congressman, and the couple married in September 1953.

Born into wealth, Jackie Bouvier received an elite education, attending prestigious schools in New York and completing her college years at George Washington University. Despite winning a junior editorship at Vogue, she turned it down due to the requirement of spending six months in Paris. Instead, she started her career as the “Inquiring Camera Girl” for the Washington Times-Herald, conducting interviews on diverse topics throughout the capital.

Despite being consistently described as a bright student, Jackie was also known for her mischievous behavior. A former teacher characterized her as “a darling child, the prettiest little girl, very clever, very artistic, and full of the devil.” Surprisingly, the future icon of American femininity in the 1960s found herself in the principal’s office quite frequently during her girlhood. Additionally, she once received a D on her report card for a class she was frequently absent from due to her disruptive behavior, leading to her removal from the classroom.

In a Life Magazine interview, Onassis added a crucial element to the Kennedy legacy by likening his administration to “Camelot.” She shared that JFK admired heroes and the King Arthur legend, often listening to the musical’s soundtrack with lyrics by his Harvard classmate Alan Jay Lerner. Onassis’s powerful statement, “There will be great presidents again, but there will never be another Camelot,” profoundly shaped the public perception of JFK, solidifying the myth’s enduring glamour.

Jackie’s mother, Janet Bouvier, an accomplished rider, introduced her to horseback riding at just one year old. By the age of 11, Jackie was already winning national competitions. In 1940, The New York Times highlighted Jackie’s skill in horseback riding:

“Jacqueline Bouvier, an eleven-year-old equestrienne from East Hampton, Long Island, scored a double victory in the horsemanship competition. Miss Bouvier achieved a rare distinction. The occasions are few when a young rider wins both contests in the same show.”

In the 1960s, Jackie Kennedy’s fashion sense, both admired and criticized, was characterized by a blend of class and practicality, though she had a penchant for expensive French couture. During the campaign, her preference for foreign designers over American ones raised concerns. Joseph Kennedy, her father-in-law, intervened and transformed her image by connecting her with American designer Oleg Cassini. Cassini became the First Lady’s “Secretary of Style,” designing over 300 iconic outfits that spurred a rush among women to emulate the distinctive “Jackie” look.

Jackie Kennedy’s vision for the White House extended beyond history and style; she aimed to create an educational and safe environment for her children. To achieve this, she redesigned the third floor, specifically the solarium, transforming it into a nursery school. This space evolved into a fully functional kindergarten, professionally staffed and accommodating around 10 students. The educational setting even included a collection of small animals such as hamsters, rabbits, and guinea pigs.

Following her marriage to billionaire Aristotle Onassis in 1968, Jackie Kennedy became known as “Jackie O” and faced incessant attention from the paparazzi, particularly Ron Galella. Enduring years of constant surveillance, Jackie reached her limit by 1973 and took legal action, suing Galella for harassment and invasion of privacy—and she won.

The court mandated that Galella stay 25 feet away from Jackie and 30 feet away from her children. Undeterred, he carried a tape measure. After a second lawsuit, Jackie finally gained respite from Galella’s intrusive pursuit in the 1980s.

Jackie Kennedy’s passion for literature emerged early, positioning her as a natural writer. Her writing skills secured a sought-after Vogue internship during college, even though she had to decline the opportunity. After the death of her second husband, Aristotle Onassis, in 1975, she returned to her literary roots. Settling in New York City, she served as a consulting editor for Viking Press before moving on to Doubleday, where she remained an associate editor until her passing in 1994.

She had a keen interest in historic preservation, particularly in Washington, D.C., where she played a pivotal role in saving and restoring numerous historic buildings.

Jackie was instrumental in the founding of the National Endowment for the Arts, demonstrating her commitment to supporting and promoting the arts in America.

An avid supporter of the ballet, Jackie actively contributed to the growth and success of several ballet companies, reflecting her love for this art form.

She had a deep appreciation for poetry, frequently engaging in reading and writing poems, which reflected her introspective and artistic nature.

As First Lady, Jackie was heavily involved in planning and overseeing state functions at the White House, ensuring they were executed with elegance and cultural significance.

Known for her distinctive and influential fashion sense, Jackie became a global fashion icon, inspiring women around the world with her style and elegance.

She was a patron of numerous charities and humanitarian causes, dedicating her time and resources to various philanthropic endeavors.

Despite her public persona, Jackie was a private individual who highly valued her family’s privacy, often shielding her children from the public eye.

As a mother, Jackie was deeply committed to her children’s education and upbringing, ensuring they had a balanced and enriching childhood.

Jackie shared a close bond with her sister, Lee Radziwill, with whom she traveled extensively, sharing many life experiences and adventures.

An avid reader, Jackie maintained an extensive personal library, reflecting her love for literature and continuous pursuit of knowledge.

She was renowned for her poise and grace, especially during challenging times, displaying remarkable strength and dignity in the face of adversity.

Following JFK’s assassination, Jackie was a key figure in the establishment of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, ensuring his legacy was appropriately honored.

Jackie played a crucial role in the restoration and preservation of New York City’s Grand Central Terminal, showcasing her commitment to historic preservation.

Her efforts in New York City extended beyond Grand Central, as she influenced the preservation and conservation of numerous historic buildings throughout the city.

In 1968, Jackie remarried, this time to Aristotle Onassis, a wealthy Greek shipping magnate, a union that attracted significant public attention and speculation.

Jackie enjoyed gardening and horticulture. She took an active interest in the White House gardens and worked on several projects to beautify the grounds and public spaces, believing in the importance of natural beauty in urban environments.

Beyond her interest in historic and cultural preservation, Jackie was also an advocate for environmental conservation. She supported various initiatives aimed at protecting natural landscapes and promoting sustainable practices.