Jackie Kennedy Onassis New Secrets of Her Life in Camelot

SHE HAD BRAINS, BEAUTY AND CLASS, BUT LOVE AND MARRIAGE RARELY LIVED UP TO THEIR PROMISE 

- LOUISE A. BARILE, Amanda Champagne

As the festivities for her husband, President John F. Kennedy’s 45th birthday were being planned, First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy faced a dilemma. Should she attend the gala at Madison Square Garden, featuring Marilyn Monroe singing “Happy Birthday?” In the end, Jackie, who had heard rumors of her husband’s alleged fling with the blonde bombshell, opted to avoid the sure-to-be humiliating event. Instead, she threw a cookout for her family at her retreat in Virginia and let JFK attend solo.

Nearly 30 years after her death, the life and secrets of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis continue to fascinate. “Despite the money, power, celebrity and fame, people can really relate to her,” says J. Randy Taraborrelli, author of the new book Jackie: Public, Private, Secret. Although Jackie experienced many disappointments in love and marriage, she tried to learn from her mistakes.

Before she wed JFK, Jackie worried about his playboy reputation. In fact, she nearly cancelled the wedding because of it. “The decision to marry JFK was really made by Jackie and her mom, Janet, who was a huge influence in her life,” explains the author. “Jackie’s mom, Janet, had a terrible marriage to Jackie’s father, Jack Bouvier, who was unfaithful. Janet didn’t want that for her daughter.”