The entangled lives of America’s most-watched family take a dramatic turn with new revelations.
According to Daily Mail, a new biography details a deeply personal and covert relationship between Jackie Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy following the tragic death of President John F. Kennedy.
Under the scrutiny that follows a national tragedy, two of the most closely watched figures, Jackie Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy, found solace in each other’s company. This affair blossomed amidst the profound grief following the assassination of President Kennedy in 1963.
This liaison, stretching from shortly after the president's funeral until Bobby Kennedy's presidential campaign in 1968, involved complex emotions and significant secrecy due to the prominence of the Kennedy name and the potential public backlash.
The bond between Jackie and Bobby was rooted in their shared torment and loss. DailyMail.com columnist Maureen Callahan's biography, 'Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed,' describes this relationship as much more than a scandal—it was a crucial emotional support system. Bobby Kennedy, despite his marriage to Ethel Kennedy, grew increasingly close to Jackie, often perceived as neglecting his familial responsibilities in the process.
Jackie, in her moments of darkest despair, leaned heavily on Bobby for emotional support. According to Callahan, Bobby was vital in maintaining Jackie’s mental health: "As she said more than once, Bobby was the only person keeping [Jackie] from killing herself."
The affair was known to a select few within their social circles and was handled with the utmost discretion. Publicly, however, their affection sometimes became visible, notably in New York City, reflecting the complexity of their relationship.
The affair, though managed discreetly, was occasionally blatant in the eyes of their peers and the public. This paradox of visibility and secrecy marks one of the many complexities in Kennedy's interpersonal relations.
The relationship experienced gradual public exposure, challenging the need for privacy against the backdrop of their positions in what was arguably America’s most famous family. This struggle was a balancing act between personal desires and public expectations.
Despite their close and personal bond, the relationship tapered off as Bobby Kennedy geared up for his 1968 presidential bid. Shortly thereafter, Jackie Kennedy moved on to marry Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in October of the same year.
This new chapter in her life came shortly before the tragic assassination of Bobby Kennedy on June 5, 1968. In a twist of shared history and continued connection, Jackie Kennedy flew from New York to be by Ethel Kennedy’s side, providing support and even assisting with critical medical decisions.
The story of their relationship, had it come to light at its peak, could have sent shockwaves through the political and social arenas. The discretion surrounding their affair illuminates the pressures and expectations placed on public figures, particularly those as iconic as the Kennedies.
Despite the mixed feelings and complications that arose from their relationship, their profound connection was undeniably shaped by their shared experiences of grief and responsibility. This complex interplay of personal loss and public life is poignantly captured in Callahan’s portrayal.
