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When you think about celebrity it-couples, a few come to mind. Most likely, you’re thinking of newer couples that are dominating the media (much like Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s whirlwind romance). But sometimes, an it-couple remains timeless, even decades after their deaths, and John F. Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette’s romance is a prime example.
Despite meeting in 1992, the iconic lovebirds didn’t start their whirlwind relationship until 1994. Within a year, everyone wanted to know everything about the two, especially after they moved in together in 1995. They secretly wed in 1996, and the media attention amped up soon after.
People wanted to know what their relationship was like behind closed doors, especially since Bessette remained shrouded in mystery from the paparazzi.
On July 16, 1999, John Jr, Bessette, and her sister Lauren Bessette, crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Massachusetts. They all tragically perished, but their legacies have lived on.
For the people who want to know everything about the lovebirds in 2023, we’ve gathered a list of must-read books. From books that detail John Jr’s friendships and relationships to books about Carolyn’s style, we’ve got it all here (including a book on Carolyn’s life that was recently released).
Check out which books are available that show the private and public lives of John Jr. and Carolyn below:
A version of this article was originally published on Dec 2023.
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‘Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’ by Elizabeth Beller
Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy is all about Carolyn’s life through “in-depth research and exclusive interviews with friends, family members, teachers, roommates, and colleagues,” that show the real star behind the photos.
‘The Day John Died’ by Christopher Anderson
One of the earliest books about the pair was royal expert Christopher Anderson’s book The Day John Died, which goes in-depth on JFK JR’s life, from childhood to dating. And yes, it goes wildly in-depth on his and Bessette’s romance.
‘Fairy Tale Interrupted: A Memoir of Life, Love, and Loss’ by RoseMarie Terenzio
One of the only books dedicated to John F. Kennedy Jr and Carolyn Bessette is Fairy Tale Interrupted: A Memoir of Life, Love, and Loss by RoseMarie Terenzio, who worked for JFK Jr for many years. Through the eyes of one of their closest confidantes, it shows fans a glimpse into JFK Jr’s way of handling “dating, politics, and the paparazzi,” along with the lengths she went to help JFK Jr and Bessette get married in secret.
‘The Kennedy Heirs: John, Caroline, and the New Generation – A Legacy of Tragedy and Triumph’ by J. Randy Taraborrelli
Since J. Randy Taraborrelli’s book The Kennedy Heirs follows the complicated lives of Caroline and John F. Kennedy Jr, it was full of revelations. Not only did it detail how the Kennedy family members after John and Jackie fought grief and the spotlight, but it also gave fans a glimpse into many of their relationships. For instance, this was the book that told fans about how JFK Jr would take his mother into account with dating, and who was the one who convinced Carolyn Bessette to walk down the aisle.
‘What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love’ by Carole Radziwill
While Carole Radziwill’s memoir focuses more on her life, it does provide fans with a lot of details about John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, such as Carolyn’s disdain for the paparazzi, how they were behind closed doors, and more. And for those who want to know more, it details Carole’s tragedy as she loses people closest to her, what it was like marrying into the Kennedy extended family, and more.
‘America’s Reluctant Prince: The Life of John F. Kennedy Jr.’ by Steven M. Gillon
America’s Reluctant Prince is all about John F Kennedy Jr, specifically all about Kennedy’s life in front of and behind the spotlight. Told by one of his close friends, this book takes a deep dive into who he was, who he wanted to be, and as for his relationship with Carolyn Bessette, he details the scathing confessions she made about him.
‘CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Fashion’ by Sunita Kumar Nair
For those who’ve always wanted to know more about Carolyn Bessette’s iconic fashion, the newly released book CBK: Carolyn Bessette Kennedy: A Life in Fashion is a must. It contains photos and details of her fashion, including why she never hired a stylist, how she chose her ensembles, and more.
‘JFK Jr., George, & Me: A Memoir’ by Matt Berman
JFK Jr., George, & Me: A Memoir by Matt Berman follows who JFK Jr was behind the scenes, specifically during their time working together for George magazine. Not only that, but it details what happened BTS with Princess Diana and Carolyn Bessette.
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