One of the most culturally significant first families ever has to be the Kennedy family, comprised of lovebirds John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy and their children John F Kennedy Jr. and Caroline Kennedy. The idyllic family may have had difficult lives throughout, but their short time together was a beautiful part of history.
John and Jackie met in the early 1950s through a mutual friend, hitting it off sometime later. They had a lot in common despite the 12-year age difference and ended up getting engaged in June 1953 after Jackie took 30 days to deliberate on his proposal. They wed less than three months later in Rhode Island in Sept. 1953.
On November 22, 1963 JFK’s passing rocked the world but no one was more impacted than his loving family. For years, Jackie Kennedy and her children had been one of the most beloved first families and that all changed in an instant.
As we look back on JFK’s life there are many ways to remember him but, first and foremost, he was a father and husband. After a difficult fertility journey, Jackie and JFK welcomed a daughter named Caroline in Nov. 1957 and a son named John F. Kennedy Jr. in Nov. 1960, two weeks after JFK was sworn in as president. They also welcomed two children who died in infancy, named Arabella and Patrick.
Within a few years, they made their mark in the White House, but tragedy struck in Nov. 1963 when JFK was assassinated. The rest of his family soon left the White House to find a sense of normalcy.
Jackie became an Emmy-winning actor, bestselling author, and fashion icon until her death in 1996. John Jr. worked as a New York City assistant district attorney and launched George magazine. Tragically, he passed in a plane crash in 1999 alongside his wife Carolyn Bessette.
Now, as the last remaining child of JFK and Jackie, Caroline became an author, attorney, and diplomat who was the ambassador for Japan and is currently the US ambassador for Australia. She’s welcomed three children of her own named Jack Schlossberg, Tatiana Schlossberg, and Rose Schlossberg (who looks a great deal like her late grandmother Jackie!)
But before the tragedy that changed their lives forever, the Kenedy family was one of the most recognized families in the world, with all eyes on the adorable and close-knit family. And there are many photos to prove it.
In honor of what would’ve been Jackie’s 95th birthday, let’s see some of the best photos of the presidential Kennedy family below!
Legendary Kennedy Wedding
On Sept. 23, 1953, Jackie Bouvier Kennedy and John F. Kennedy wed in a ceremony many described as the “event of the year.” Per Good Housekeeping, there were 700 guests at the ceremony and over 1,200 at the reception.
Kennedy Family
John and Jackie Kennedy welcomed their daughter Caroline on Nov. 27, 1957, then their son John F. Kennedy Jr. on Nov. 20, 1960. John and Jackie also had a son named Patrick who died in infancy in 1963 and a daughter named Arabella who was stillborn in 1956.
Caroline & Macaroni
Caroline Kennedy adored riding her pony named Macaroni throughout her childhood. The duo was so popular that they ended up being on the cover of Life Magazine, which inspired Neil Diamond to write the iconic song “Sweet Caroline,” per Presidential Pet Museum.
Jackie, Caroline, & John Jr.
Jackie Kennedy later said she regretted naming her son “John F. Kennedy, Jr.,” because she felt like it placed a burden on her son, per Daily Mail.
Kennedy Christmas
JFK and Jackie celebrated Christmas at the White House with Jackie’s sister Lee and her family.
Happy Presidential Children
The kids loved playing in the White House. According to Thought Co, John F. Kennedy Jr. would often be found playing under the desk of the Oval office.
Horse Back Riding Family
Jackie Kennedy gave her children her love of riding horses. Jackie was so talented at horseback riding that the NYTimes wrote multiple stories about her abilities.
John & John
John F. Kennedy looks like a doting dad as he holds hands with John Jr. on a public outing.
Jackie & John’s Unique Meet-Cute
Jackie interviewed John F. Kennedy before they officially started dating. She interviewed him on a column assignment for the Washington Times-Herald when he was a senator.
Postpartum Depression
Jackie Kennedy reportedly suffered from postpartum depression after the birth of her son Patrick, per Vanity Fair. Apparently, to prevent her from hearing the news about it on TV, John Kennedy had White House members sneak into her room to disable her television.
Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
The Kennedy family would frequently go on vacation to the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, pictured here.
John F. Kennedy Jr’s Sickness
According to PBS, John F. Kennedy Jr. was quite sick throughout his life, with Jackie keeping records of him having measles, chickenpox, scarlet fever, and whooping cough.
“Caroline” Airplane
The Kennedys named their airplane after their firstborn daughter Caroline, per JFK Library. It’s clear John adored his daughter Caroline.
Daddy-Son Time
John Jr. took his first steps in the White House and is seen here practing in front of his dad.
John & John Jr.
Like his presidency, John F. Kennedy dealt with parenthood calmly. Per People, former staffers recounted how his son John F. Kennedy Jr. lost a tooth while playing in the jungle gym, and JFK calmly handled the situation. We adore this photo of him and his son playing together, something they did quite often too!
Jackie & John Jr. Sledding
The entire Kennedy family was incredibly active, and we adore this snapshot of Jackie and her son John F. Kennedy Jr. doing one of their favorite holiday activities together.
Big Kennedy Clan
In case you didn’t know, the Kennedys are a huge family, and this photo with JFK and his children, nieces, and nephews is so sweet!
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