Jacqueline Kennedy, born Jacqueline Lee Bouvier (1929–1994), was one of the most emblematic and influential female figures in modern American history, primarily known for being the First Lady of the United States during her husband, John F. Kennedy's presidency, from 1961 until his assassination in 1963.
Jacqueline was born on July 28, 1929, in Southampton, New York. She graduated from George Washington University after studying at Vassar College and the University of Grenoble and Sorbonne in France.
She first married John F. Kennedy in 1953, becoming the First Lady after his election as president in 1960. After Kennedy's assassination in 1963, she married Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis in 1968.
During her time as First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy became famous for her sense of style, elegance, and commitment to promoting arts and culture. She was also very active in restoring and reorganizing the White House with the goal of preserving and celebrating American historical heritage. Her most notable project was the complete restoration of the White House, for which she personally oversaw the acquisition of antique furniture and enrichment of art collections. She promoted numerous cultural initiatives and advocated for the exhibition of American arts both nationally and internationally. She was also a staunch advocate for the preservation of American historical sites.
After Kennedy's death and her second marriage, she mostly lived outside the United States, leading a relatively private life, but she continued to be a figure of great public interest until her death in 1994.
Jacqueline Kennedy is remembered as an icon of style and grace, but also as a woman of substance who had a lasting impact on American culture. Her legacy includes being a custodian of national cultural heritage and an influential First Lady who transformed the role with her attention to culture, history, and fashion.
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