History of Caroline Kennedy in Timeline
Caroline Kennedy is an American author, attorney, and diplomat. She served as the United States Ambassador to Japan from 2013 to 2017 and as the Ambassador to Australia from 2022 to 2024. As a member of the Kennedy family and the only surviving child of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, she has largely dedicated her professional life to literature, law, politics, education reform, and charitable work.
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1943: Father's Navy Incident
In 1943, Caroline Kennedy's father was in the navy when his ship was rammed and sunk by a Japanese destroyer.
1945: Atomic bombing of Nagasaki
In 1945, the city of Nagasaki was atomically bombed.
1945: Impact from the 1945 atomic bombing
In April 2015, Caroline Kennedy visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, which displayed the impact from the 1945 atomic bombing.
November 27, 1957: Caroline Kennedy Born
On November 27, 1957, Caroline Bouvier Kennedy was born in the United States. She is the only living child of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
1960: Her father was nominated by the Democratic Party for the presidency
In 1960, Caroline Kennedy's father was nominated by the Democratic Party for the presidency at the Democratic National Convention.
1960: Father Wins Presidential Election
In 1960, Caroline Kennedy's father won the presidential election and she spent her early childhood in the White House.
1960: Birth of Younger Brother
In 1960, Caroline Kennedy's younger brother, John Jr., was born two days before her third birthday.
November 22, 1963: Father's Assassination
On November 22, 1963, Caroline Kennedy's father, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated.
1963: Death of Brother Patrick
In 1963, Caroline Kennedy's brother, Patrick, died two days after his premature birth.
1963: Father's Assassination and Move from White House
In 1963, following her father's assassination, Caroline Kennedy and her brother moved out of the White House with their mother.
1964: Namesake of Radio Caroline
In 1964, Caroline Kennedy was the namesake of the British pirate radio station Radio Caroline.
January 1965: Kennedy's uncle Robert F. Kennedy held the Senate seat
From January 1965, Caroline Kennedy's uncle, Robert F. Kennedy, held the Senate seat until his assassination.
1967: Christening of USS John F. Kennedy
In 1967, Caroline Kennedy christened the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy in Newport News, Virginia.
June 1968: Kennedy's uncle Robert F. Kennedy Assassination
In June 1968, Caroline Kennedy's uncle Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated when he was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination.
1968: Robert F. Kennedy's Assassination
In 1968, following Robert F. Kennedy's assassination, Jacqueline Kennedy moved Caroline and her brother to Skorpios, a Greek island.
1970: Ted Kennedy as Godfather
In 1970, Ted Kennedy became Caroline Kennedy's godfather after the death of Robert Kennedy.
1971: Return to the White House
In 1971, Caroline Kennedy returned to the White House for the first time since her father's assassination, invited by President Richard Nixon.
March 1975: Death of Aristotle Onassis and Honor for Eunice Kennedy Shriver
In March 1975, Caroline Kennedy attended the funeral of Aristotle Onassis. Later that year, she and her family attended the presentation of the Legion of Honor award to her aunt, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, by French president Valéry Giscard d'Estaing.
1975: Graduation from Concord Academy
In 1975, Caroline Kennedy graduated from Concord Academy in Massachusetts.
1976: Photographer's Assistant at Winter Olympics
In 1976, Caroline Kennedy worked as a photographer's assistant at the Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria.
1977: Intern at New York Daily News
In 1977, Caroline Kennedy worked as a summer intern at the New York Daily News.
1978: Visited Hiroshima with Senator Ted Kennedy
In 1978, Caroline Kennedy visited Hiroshima with her uncle, Senator Ted Kennedy.
1980: Graduation from Radcliffe College
In 1980, Caroline Kennedy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Radcliffe College in fine arts.
December 4, 1984: Bomb Threat at Metropolitan Museum of Art
On December 4, 1984, Caroline Kennedy was threatened when a man telephoned the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she worked, and reported that a bomb had been planted there.
1986: Marriage to Edwin Schlossberg
In 1986, Caroline Kennedy married designer Edwin Schlossberg at Manhattan's Metropolitan Museum of Art.
1988: Juris Doctor Degree
In 1988, Caroline Kennedy earned a Juris Doctor degree from Columbia Law School.
1988: Graduation from Columbia Law School
In 1988, Caroline Kennedy earned a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School, graduating in the top 10 percent of her class.
1988: Registered to vote in New York City
In 1988, Caroline Kennedy registered to vote in New York City. She was later criticized for not voting in a number of Democratic primaries and general elections since registering.
1988: Birth of Rose Kennedy Schlossberg
In 1988, Caroline Kennedy's first child, Rose Kennedy Schlossberg, was born.
1989: Created the Profile in Courage Award
In 1989, Caroline Kennedy and her family created the Profile in Courage Award. The award recognizes public officials who demonstrate politically courageous leadership.
1990: Birth of Tatiana Celia Kennedy Schlossberg
In 1990, Caroline Kennedy's second child, Tatiana Celia Kennedy Schlossberg, was born.
1991: Co-authored "In Our Defense: The Bill of Rights In Action"
In 1991, Caroline Kennedy co-wrote the book "In Our Defense: The Bill of Rights In Action" with Ellen Alderman. The book aimed to explain the importance of the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution.
1993: Birth of John Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg
In 1993, Caroline Kennedy's third child, John Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg, known as Jack, was born.
1997: Represented Family at George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Dedication
In 1997, Caroline Kennedy represented her family at the dedication of the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library.
December 7, 1999: Attended Robin Hood Foundation annual breakfast
On December 7, 1999, Caroline Kennedy attended the Robin Hood Foundation annual breakfast. She spoke at the event about her brother, John Jr.'s, commitment to the organization.
1999: Death of John F. Kennedy Jr.
In 1999, Caroline Kennedy's brother, John F. Kennedy Jr., died in a plane crash, making her the only remaining survivor of President Kennedy's immediate family. She decided that his remains would be cremated and his ashes scattered into the Atlantic Ocean.
2000: Supported Al Gore for President and Spoke at Democratic National Convention
In 2000, Caroline Kennedy supported Al Gore for the presidency, mentioning a kinship due to their fathers' shared time in the Senate. She also spoke at the 2000 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, California.
2000: Dick Cheney headed George W. Bush's vice presidential vetting committee
In 2000, Dick Cheney headed George W. Bush's vice presidential vetting committee, before being chosen for the role himself.
2001: Presented the Profile in Courage Award to Gerald Ford
In 2001, Caroline Kennedy presented the Profile in Courage Award to former president Gerald Ford for his controversial pardon of Richard Nixon.
2002: Appointed Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships
In 2002, Caroline Kennedy was appointed as director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for the New York City Department of Education by School Chancellor Joel Klein. Her job involved raising private money for the New York City public schools.
November 2004: Represented Family at Bill Clinton Presidential Center Dedication
In November 2004, Caroline Kennedy represented her family at the dedication of the Bill Clinton Presidential Center and Park in Little Rock, Arkansas.
2004: Continued as director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships
Through 2004, Caroline Kennedy continued to work as director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for the New York City Department of Education, raising private money for public schools.
2006: Contributed to Hillary Clinton's Senatorial Campaign
In 2006, Caroline Kennedy contributed a total of $5,000 to Hillary Clinton's senatorial campaign.
June 29, 2007: Contributed to Hillary Clinton's Presidential Campaign
On June 29, 2007, Caroline Kennedy contributed $2,300 to the Hillary Rodham Clinton presidential campaign committee.
September 18, 2007: Contributed to Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign
On September 18, 2007, Caroline Kennedy contributed $2,300 to Barack Obama's presidential campaign committee.
2007: Publication of "A Family Christmas"
In 2007, Caroline Kennedy authored "A Family Christmas", a collection of poems, prose, and personal notes from her family history.
January 27, 2008: Endorsed Barack Obama for President
On January 27, 2008, Caroline Kennedy announced in a New York Times op-ed piece that she would endorse Barack Obama in the 2008 U.S. presidential election, expressing that he inspired her in a way similar to her father.
June 4, 2008: Named Co-chair of Obama's Vice Presidential Search Committee
On June 4, 2008, Caroline Kennedy was named co-chair of Barack Obama's Vice Presidential Search Committee, along with Jim Johnson and Eric Holder.
December 2008: Expressed interest in the United States Senate seat
In December 2008, Caroline Kennedy expressed interest in the United States Senate seat occupied by Hillary Clinton, which was to be filled by appointment of New York Governor David Paterson.
December 2008: Drew criticism for lacking clarity in interviews
In late December 2008, Caroline Kennedy drew criticism from several media outlets for lacking clarity in interviews, and for using the phrase "you know" 168 times during a 30-minute interview with NY1.
2008: Endorsement of Barack Obama
In 2008, Caroline Kennedy and her uncle, Ted Kennedy, endorsed Barack Obama for president. She later stumped for him and addressed the Democratic National Convention.
2008: Estimated Net Worth
In 2008, the New York Daily News estimated Caroline Kennedy's net worth at over $100 million.
January 22, 2009: Withdrew from consideration for Senate seat
Shortly before midnight on January 22, 2009, Caroline Kennedy released a statement that she was withdrawing from consideration for the Senate seat due to "personal reasons".
April 2009: Reported Rejection as United States Ambassador to the Holy See
In April 2009, Caroline Kennedy was widely reported to have been rejected as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See, allegedly due to her position in favor of abortion rights, although this was later debunked.
2010: Re-election of Okinawa's governor, Hirokazu Nakaima
In 2010, Okinawa's governor, Hirokazu Nakaima, was re-elected in opposition to the American military base.
2010: Senate Seat to be filled through 2010
The United States Senate seat occupied by Hillary Clinton was to be filled through 2010 by appointment of New York Governor David Paterson.
April 2011: Publication of "She Walks in Beauty"
In April 2011, Caroline Kennedy edited and introduced a new collection of poetry, "She Walks in Beauty – A Woman's Journey Through Poems", which was published and launched at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.
June 27, 2012: Campaigned for Obama's Re-election in New Hampshire
On June 27, 2012, Caroline Kennedy campaigned in Nashua and Manchester, New Hampshire, for the re-election of President Obama.
February 2013: Prospective nomination as United States Ambassador to Japan
In February 2013, reports first emerged about the prospective nomination of Caroline Kennedy as the United States Ambassador to Japan.
July 2013: Formal diplomatic agreement received from the Japanese government
In mid-July 2013, formal diplomatic agreement to the appointment of Caroline Kennedy as United States Ambassador to Japan was reportedly received from the Japanese government.
July 24, 2013: Nominated as United States Ambassador to Japan
On July 24, 2013, President Obama announced Caroline Kennedy as his nominee to be United States Ambassador to Japan.
August 28, 2013: Attended 50th Anniversary Ceremony of the March on Washington
On August 28, 2013, Caroline Kennedy attended the 50th-anniversary ceremony of the March on Washington.
September 19, 2013: Testified Before Senate Foreign Relations Committee
On September 19, 2013, Caroline Kennedy appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to answer questions about her potential appointment as ambassador, focusing on military ties, trade, and student exchange.
September 30, 2013: Nomination Favorably Reported to Senate Floor
On September 30, 2013, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee favorably reported Caroline Kennedy's nomination to the Senate floor.
October 16, 2013: Confirmed as U.S. Ambassador to Japan
On October 16, 2013, Caroline Kennedy was confirmed by voice vote as the first female U.S. Ambassador to Japan.
December 2013: Visited Nagasaki and met with atomic bombing survivors
In December 2013, Caroline Kennedy visited Nagasaki to meet with survivors of the 1945 atomic bombing of that city.
2013: Financial Disclosure Reports
During her 2013 nomination to serve as ambassador to Japan, financial disclosure reports showed Caroline Kennedy's net worth to be between $278 million and $500 million.
2013: U.S. Ambassador to Japan
In 2013, Caroline Kennedy became the United States Ambassador to Japan.
2013: Appointment as Ambassador to Japan
In 2013, Caroline Kennedy was appointed as the United States Ambassador to Japan, becoming the first woman to hold the position.
February 2014: Visited Okinawa and faced protests against American military presence
In February 2014, Caroline Kennedy visited Okinawa, Japan, and faced protests against the American military presence. She later met with Okinawa's governor and pledged to reduce the burden of the American military presence.
August 5, 2014: Attended memorial ceremony for Hiroshima atomic bombing victims
On August 5, 2014, Caroline Kennedy attended a memorial ceremony for victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. She was the second U.S. ambassador to attend the annual memorial.
April 2015: Visited Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and planted dogwood trees
In April 2015, Caroline Kennedy visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and called her visit a "solemn honor". Kennedy also planted dogwood trees on a road, participating in a U.S. project to spread 3,000 dogwood trees across Japan.
August 6, 2015: Attended Memorial for Hiroshima Atomic Bombing
On August 6, 2015, Caroline Kennedy accompanied US Under Secretary of State Rose Gottemoeller to the memorial for the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. It marked the 70th anniversary of the bombing.
August 15, 2015: Named Sponsor for the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79)
On August 15, 2015, Caroline Kennedy was named sponsor for the second USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), a Gerald R. Ford class supercarrier named for her father.
January 18, 2017: Formally left Japan as Ambassador
On January 18, 2017, Caroline Kennedy formally left Japan as Ambassador shortly before Donald Trump was sworn in as President.
2017: End of Ambassadorship to Japan
In 2017, Caroline Kennedy's tenure as the United States Ambassador to Japan came to an end.
December 7, 2019: Christened CVN-79
On December 7, 2019, Caroline Kennedy christened CVN-79, the 78th anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor.
2020: Possible candidate for the 2020 Presidential primaries
In 2020, there was media speculation that Caroline Kennedy might become a possible candidate for the Presidential primaries and election, but this did not come to pass.
2021: Awarded Japan's Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun
In 2021, Caroline Kennedy was awarded Japan's Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun in recognition of her service as the United States Ambassador to Japan.
April 7, 2022: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearing
On April 7, 2022, hearings on Caroline Kennedy's nomination as United States Ambassador to Australia were held before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
May 4, 2022: Committee Favorably Reports Nomination
On May 4, 2022, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee favorably reported Caroline Kennedy's nomination to the Senate floor.
May 5, 2022: Senate Confirmation
On May 5, 2022, Caroline Kennedy was confirmed as the United States Ambassador to Australia by the Senate via voice vote.
June 10, 2022: Confirmation as Ambassador to Australia
On June 10, 2022, Caroline Kennedy was confirmed as ambassador to Australia and took office.
July 2022: Calling out a Male Journalist
In July 2022, at her arrival press conference, Caroline Kennedy called out a male journalist for speaking over a female reporter.
July 25, 2022: Presentation of Credentials
On July 25, 2022, Caroline Kennedy presented her credentials to the Governor-General of Australia, David Hurley.
2022: U.S. Ambassador to Australia
In 2022, Caroline Kennedy became the United States Ambassador to Australia.
August 2023: Suggestion Regarding Julian Assange Extradition
In August 2023, Caroline Kennedy suggested the potential for "resolution" and a plea bargain deal to resolve the extradition proceedings of journalist Julian Assange from the United Kingdom to the United States.
September 2024: Announcement of Leaving Ambassadorial Position
In September 2024, Caroline Kennedy announced that she would leave her ambassadorial position regardless of the outcome of the presidential election.
2024: End of Ambassadorship to Australia
In 2024, Caroline Kennedy's tenure as the United States Ambassador to Australia ended.
January 2025: Public Opposition to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In January 2025, Caroline Kennedy publicly spoke out against her cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s nomination for Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, labeling him a "predator" in a letter and video to US senators.
December 30, 2025: Death of daughter Tatiana
On December 30, 2025, Caroline Kennedy's daughter Tatiana died from leukemia at the age of 35.
2025: Value of 1977 earnings in 2025
In 1977, Caroline Kennedy worked as a summer intern at the New York Daily News, earning $156 a week (equivalent to $829 in 2025).
2025: Death of Tatiana Celia Kennedy Schlossberg
In 2025, Caroline Kennedy's daughter, Tatiana Celia Kennedy Schlossberg, died.
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