At a Glance
- JFK was the 35th U.S. president, elected 1960.
- The family’s political roots trace back to 1884 with P.J. Kennedy.
- The dynasty has endured triumphs and tragedies, including JFK’s assassination and JFK Jr.’s fatal plane crash.
- Why it matters: The Kennedys have shaped American politics and culture for over a century, leaving a legacy that continues to influence public life.
The Kennedy family has captivated the American imagination for generations, from Patrick Joseph Kennedy’s first seat in the Massachusetts House to John F. Kennedy’s historic presidency and the enduring public service of his descendants. Their story is a tapestry of political ambition, cultural impact, and personal loss.
John F. Kennedy: From Harvard to the Presidency
Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, on May 29, 1917, John F. Kennedy was the second of nine children of Joseph Patrick Kennedy and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. After graduating cum laude from Harvard University, he served as a Navy patrol-boat commander in World War’II, earning a Navy and Marine Corps Medal and a Purple Heart. In 1961, he was sworn in as the 35th president of the United States.
JFK’s term was cut tragically short when he was assassinated on November 22, 1963, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 46.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: First Lady and Cultural Icon
Born July 28, 1929, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis was a graduate of George Washington University and a former photojournalist for the Washington Times Herald. She met JFK in 1951, married in 1953, and together they ushered in the Camelot Era of the White House. After JFK’s death, Jackie married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis in 1968 and remained a style icon until her death on May 19, 1994, at age 64.
Caroline Kennedy: Lawyer, Author, Ambassador
Caroline Kennedy, born November 27, 1957, is the eldest child of JFK and Jackie. She graduated from Harvard’s Radcliffe College and Columbia Law School, and has served as an attorney, author, ambassador, and the inspiration behind Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” She is the only surviving child of the former first family.
John F. Kennedy Jr.: The Tragic Heir
Born November 25, 1960, John F. Kennedy Jr. was the first son of JFK and Jackie. A graduate of Brown University and NYU School of Law, he worked as an attorney, journalist, and co-founder of the magazine George. He married Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in 1996, and both died when a plane he piloted crashed over the Atlantic on July 16, 1999, at age 38.
Family Legacy: Children and Grandchildren
JFK and Jackie had six children, though two died in infancy: a stillborn daughter Arabella in 1956 and a son Patrick in 1963. Their surviving children include Caroline, John Jr., and the grandchildren Rose, Tatiana, and Jack Schlossberg.
Caroline’s children Rose, Tatiana, and Jack continue the Kennedy legacy in arts, journalism, and public service, with Tatiana’s battle with leukemia and subsequent passing in 2025 marking another tragic chapter.
| Child | Birth | Death | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arabella | Aug 23 1956 | Stillborn | – |
| Patrick | Aug 7 1963 | 2 days later | – |
| Caroline | Nov 27 1957 | – | Attorney, author, ambassador |
| John Jr. | Nov 25 1960 | July 16 1999 | Attorney, journalist, magazine co-founder |
| Rose | Jun 25 1988 | – | Artist, filmmaker |
| Tatiana | May 5 1990 | Dec 30 2025 | Journalist, author |
| Jack | Jan 19 1993 | – | Journalist, political correspondent |
Key Takeaways
- JFK’s presidency remains a defining moment in U.S. history.
- The Kennedy family has blended public service with personal tragedy across generations.
- Recent losses, including John Jr. and Tatiana, show the dynasty’s continued vulnerability.
From the early days of Patrick Kennedy’s political career to the modern achievements and heart-breaking losses of the current generation, the Kennedys illustrate how a family’s legacy can shape a nation while remaining deeply human.
