In March of 1998, John F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Bessette, attended the wedding of friends Betsy Reisinger and Kenan Siegel in Miami. Photos from the event show the couple wrapped in a tight embrace, with Bessette's arms around Kennedy's neck, her head tilted back as she laughs with abandon. "Carolyn and John were deeply in love and in love with life," Betsy recalls in the new book Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, written by Elizabeth Beller. "That is how I remember them." Just sixteen months later, Bessette and Kennedy would tragically die when the single-engine plane Kennedy was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Martha's Vineyard, Mass., on July 16, 1999.
(Kennedy, 38, Bessette, 33, and her sister, Lauren, 34, perished instantly.) Much has been said about the couple; the romance between the charming and handsome son of former President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie, and the stunning and chic Calvin Klein publicist captivated the nation like few others before or since.
Despite reports the pair-who wed in 1996 were headed for a split prior to their untimely deaths, new revelations tell a different, more nuanced story of their complicated, passionate and enduring relationship.
They were in therapy together and were talking about starting a family.
"Toward the end of their lives, they had managed to reach this kind of rapprochement," The Day John Died author Christopher Andersen tells Us. "Whatever friction was there was being dealt with."
DRAWN TOGETHER
Kennedy and Bessette met in 1992 when the blond Boston University graduate was working in sales at the Calvin Klein flagship store in Manhattan. Family friend (and The Real Housewives of New York City alum) Carole Radziwill was married to Kennedy's late cousin, Anthony - recalled in a 2016 A&E special that the connection between Kennedy and Bessette was undeniable.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
SCENES FROM Keke's Life
The multihyphenate mom entertains and empowers with a new book that's part memoir, part self-help guide
They Found Their Happily Ever After!
Bachelorette Joan Vassos gave her final rose to Chock Chapple and he gave her aring! In an Us exclusive, they talk about tying the knot not too soon), blending families and changing a black hole” of a future to one of hope
Jennifer Love Hewitt Turning Grief Into Growth
It's been 12 years since the actress lost her adored mom, but with a new book and TV movie, she faces up to the pain and reveals how tiny gestures and good intentions have brought magic back into her life
Charles & William Game of Thrones
As King Charles continues his cancer battle, plans for his son Prince William to succeed him are underway. Sources shed light on how the inevitable changing of the guard is causing tension behind palace doors
Jennifer Talks Money, Movies & Living in a Haunted House!
She's one of the most iconic actresses in Hollywood. But Jennifer Coolidge admits that there are a few misconceptions about her.
The Early Aughts Are in Fashion Again
The controversial looks of the 2000s seem to have come back around dazzlingly fast - so what is it about Y2K that's making stylish stars try their luck with low-rise jeans?
Why Joaquim & Gisele Aren't Rushing Into Marriage
They may be expecting, but Gisele Bündchen and Joaquim Valente are in no rush to tie the knot.
Inside Teddi's Affair with Her Horse Trainer
It seems we finally have answers as to what may have led to the sudden split of Teddi Mellencamp and Edwin Arroyave: The RHOBH alum had an affair with her married horse trainer, Simon Schroeder (inset).
Blessed With a Rainbow Baby
The couple are thrilled and excited” to be expecting following a devastating pregnancy loss
Ted Danson on Secret to Marriage With 'Magnificent' Mary Steenburgen
Ted Danson has worked with thousands of creatives in his nearly 50-year acting careerand out of all of Hollywood, there's one name he's eager to see on the call sheet again.
