History of Caroline Kennedy in Timeline
Caroline Kennedy is an American author, diplomat, and attorney, known for her service as the United States Ambassador to Japan (2013-2017) and Australia (2022-2024). A member of the Kennedy family, she is the only surviving child of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Beyond her diplomatic roles, Kennedy has been involved in literature, law, education reform, and charity work.
1945: Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima
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. She is an American author, diplomat, and attorney, and a member of the Kennedy family.
1960: Father Wins Presidential Election
In 1960, Caroline Kennedy's father, John F. Kennedy, won the presidential election, moving the family to the White House.
1960: Birth of Brother John Jr.
In 1960, Caroline Kennedy's younger brother, John F. Kennedy Jr., was born.
1960: Democratic National Convention
In 2000, Caroline Kennedy spoke at the Democratic National Convention which was the first time since the 1960 Democratic National Convention where her father had been nominated.
November 22, 1963: Father's Assassination
On November 22, 1963, Caroline Kennedy's father, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated.
1963: Birth and Death of Brother Patrick
In 1963, Caroline Kennedy's brother, Patrick, was born prematurely and died two days later.
1963: Moved out of the White House
In 1963, following the assassination of her father, Caroline Kennedy, along with her mother and brother, moved out of the White House.
1964: Radio Caroline Founded
In 1964, the British pirate radio station Radio Caroline was founded and named after Caroline Kennedy.
January 1965: Robert Kennedy Held Senate Seat
From January 1965 until his assassination in June 1968, Caroline Kennedy's uncle, Robert F. Kennedy, held the same Senate seat she was interested in.
1967: Christened USS John F. Kennedy
In 1967, Caroline Kennedy christened the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy.
June 1968: Robert Kennedy Assassination
From January 1965 until his assassination in June 1968, Caroline Kennedy's uncle, Robert F. Kennedy, held the same Senate seat she was interested in.
1968: Robert Kennedy's Assassination
In 1968, following the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy sought to move her children away from the United States due to safety concerns.
1970: Ted Kennedy Becomes Godfather
In 1970, Ted Kennedy began making regular visits to see Caroline after Jacqueline requested Ted become Caroline's godfather.
1971: Return to the White House
In 1971, Caroline Kennedy returned to the White House for the first time since her father's assassination.
March 1975: Attended Onassis' Funeral
In March 1975, Caroline Kennedy attended the funeral of Aristotle Onassis.
1975: Graduated 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: Summer Intern at New York Daily News
In 1977, Caroline Kennedy worked as a summer intern at the New York Daily News.
1978: Visit to Hiroshima with Senator Ted Kennedy
In 1978, Caroline Kennedy visited Hiroshima with her uncle, Senator Ted Kennedy.
1980: Graduated Radcliffe College
In 1980, Caroline Kennedy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Radcliffe College of Harvard University in fine arts.
December 4, 1984: Bomb Threat at Metropolitan Museum of Art
On December 4, 1984, a man made a bomb threat at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where Caroline Kennedy was working.
1986: Marriage to Edwin Schlossberg
In 1986, Caroline Kennedy married Edwin Schlossberg at Our Lady of Victory Church in Centerville, Massachusetts.
1988: Registered to Vote in New York City
Caroline Kennedy registered to vote in New York City in 1988.
1988: Earned Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School
In 1988, Caroline Kennedy earned a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School.
1988: Juris Doctor Degree
In 1988, Caroline Kennedy earned her Juris Doctor degree from Columbia Law School.
1988: Birth of Daughter Rose
In 1988, Caroline Kennedy's daughter, Rose Kennedy Schlossberg, was born.
1989: Creation of the Profile in Courage Award
In 1989, Caroline Kennedy and her family created the Profile in Courage Award.
1990: Birth of Daughter Tatiana
In 1990, Caroline Kennedy's daughter, Tatiana Celia Kennedy Schlossberg, was born.
1991: Published "In Our Defense"
In 1991, Caroline Kennedy co-wrote the book, "In Our Defense: The Bill of Rights In Action" with Ellen Alderman.
1993: Birth of Son Jack
In 1993, Caroline Kennedy's son, John Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg (Jack), was born.
1994: Mother's Death
Following the death of her mother, Jacqueline Kennedy, in 1994, Caroline Kennedy became even closer to her brother, John Jr.
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 Breakfast
On December 7, 1999, Caroline Kennedy attended the Robin Hood Foundation annual breakfast, speaking about her brother John's commitment to the organization.
1999: Brother's Death
After John Jr. died in a plane crash in 1999, Caroline Kennedy was the only remaining survivor of President Kennedy's immediate family.
2000: Supported Al Gore for President
In 2000, Caroline Kennedy supported Al Gore for the presidency and spoke at the 2000 Democratic National Convention.
2000: Reference to Dick Cheney's VP Vetting Committee
In 2000, Dick Cheney headed George W. Bush's vice presidential vetting committee.
2001: Presentation of the Profile in Courage Award to Gerald Ford
In 2001, Caroline Kennedy presented the Profile in Courage Award to former president Gerald Ford.
2002: 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.
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: Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships
Caroline Kennedy worked as director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for the New York City Department of Education through 2004 and helped raise more than $65 million.
2006: Contribution 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: Contribution to Hillary Rodham Clinton's Presidential Campaign
On June 29, 2007, Caroline Kennedy contributed $2,300 to the Hillary Rodham Clinton presidential campaign committee.
September 18, 2007: Contribution to Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign
On September 18, 2007, Caroline Kennedy contributed $2,300 to Barack Obama's presidential campaign committee.
2007: A Family Christmas Publication
In 2007, Caroline Kennedy authored "A Family Christmas", which is a collection of poems, prose, and personal notes from her family history.
January 27, 2008: Endorsement of Barack Obama for President
On January 27, 2008, Caroline Kennedy endorsed Barack Obama in the U.S. presidential election in a New York Times op-ed piece entitled, "A President Like My Father."
June 4, 2008: Co-chair of Obama's Vice Presidential Search Committee
On June 4, 2008, Barack Obama named Caroline Kennedy as co-chair of his Vice Presidential Search Committee.
December 2008: Interest in United States Senate Seat
In December 2008, Caroline Kennedy expressed interest in the United States Senate seat occupied by Hillary Clinton.
December 2008: Criticism for Lack of Clarity in Interviews
In late December 2008, Caroline Kennedy drew criticism from several media outlets for lacking clarity in interviews.
2008: Endorsed Barack Obama
In 2008, Caroline Kennedy endorsed Barack Obama for president and played an active role in his campaign.
2008: Estimated Net Worth
In 2008, the New York Daily News estimated Caroline Kennedy's net worth at over $100 million.
January 22, 2009: Withdrawal from Senate Seat Consideration
Shortly before midnight on January 22, 2009, Caroline Kennedy released a statement that she was withdrawing from consideration for the Senate seat, citing "personal reasons".
2010: Senate Seat to be Filled Through 2010
In December 2008, Caroline Kennedy expressed interest in the United States Senate seat occupied by Hillary Clinton, who had been selected to become Secretary of State, to be filled through 2010.
2010: Re-election of Hirokazu Nakaima
In February 2014, Caroline Kennedy visited Okinawa and met with governor Hirokazu Nakaima who was re-elected in 2010 in opposition to the base.
April 2011: She Walks in Beauty Publication
In April 2011, Caroline Kennedy's collection of poetry, "She Walks in Beauty – A Woman's Journey Through Poems", was published, and she launched the book at the John F. Kennedy Library & Museum.
June 27, 2012: Campaigning for Obama's Re-election in New Hampshire
On June 27, 2012, Caroline Kennedy made appearances in Nashua and Manchester, New Hampshire, to campaign for the re-election of President Obama.
February 2013: Prospective Nomination as United States Ambassador to Japan
In February 2013, the prospective nomination of Caroline Kennedy as United States Ambassador to Japan was first reported.
July 2013: Formal Diplomatic Agreement to Appointment as Ambassador to Japan
In mid-July 2013, formal diplomatic agreement to the appointment of Caroline Kennedy as Ambassador to Japan was reportedly received from the Japanese government.
July 24, 2013: Nomination 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 Fiftieth Anniversary Ceremony of the March on Washington
On August 28, 2013, Caroline Kennedy attended the fiftieth-anniversary ceremony of the March on Washington.
September 19, 2013: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Questioning
On September 19, 2013, Caroline Kennedy sat before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and responded to questions regarding her potential appointment as ambassador.
September 30, 2013: Favorable Report 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: Confirmation 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: Visit to Nagasaki
In December 2013, Caroline Kennedy visited Nagasaki to meet with survivors of the 1945 atomic bombing of that city.
2013: Appointed Ambassador to Japan
In 2013, Caroline Kennedy was appointed by President Obama as the United States ambassador to Japan.
2013: Financial Disclosure Report
In 2013, during her nomination to serve as ambassador to Japan, financial disclosure reports showed Caroline Kennedy's net worth to be between $278 million and $500 million.
February 2014: Visit to Okinawa and Meeting with Governor
In February 2014, Caroline Kennedy visited the southern Japanese island of Okinawa and met with Okinawa's governor, Hirokazu Nakaima.
August 5, 2014: Attended Memorial Ceremony for Atomic Bombing Victims in Hiroshima
On August 5, 2014, Caroline Kennedy attended a memorial ceremony for victims of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
April 2015: Visit to Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
In April 2015, Caroline Kennedy visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and also planted dogwood trees.
August 6, 2015: Attendance at Hiroshima Memorial
On August 6, 2015, Caroline Kennedy accompanied US Under Secretary of State Rose Gottemoeller to the memorial for the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.
August 15, 2015: Named Sponsor for USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79)
On August 15, 2015, Caroline Kennedy was named sponsor for the second USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79).
January 18, 2017: Resignation as United States Ambassador to Japan
Caroline Kennedy formally left Japan as Ambassador on January 18, 2017, after resigning as the United States Ambassador to Japan.
December 7, 2019: Christening of CVN-79
On December 7, 2019, Caroline Kennedy christened CVN-79, the 78th anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor.
2020: Presidential Primaries Speculation
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.
April 7, 2022: Senate Foreign Relations Committee Hearings
On April 7, 2022, hearings on Caroline Kennedy's nomination as Ambassador to Australia were held before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
May 4, 2022: Favorable Report to the Senate Floor
On May 4, 2022, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee favorably reported Caroline Kennedy's nomination to the Senate floor.
May 5, 2022: Confirmation by the Senate
On May 5, 2022, Caroline Kennedy was confirmed by the Senate as the United States Ambassador to Australia.
June 10, 2022: Confirmed as Ambassador to Australia
On June 10, 2022, Caroline Kennedy was confirmed as the United States ambassador to Australia and subsequently took office.
July 25, 2022: Presented Credentials to Governor-General of Australia
On July 25, 2022, Caroline Kennedy presented her credentials to Governor-General of Australia David Hurley.
August 2023: Suggested Resolution for 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.
September 2024: Announcement to Leave Ambassadorial Position
In September 2024, Caroline Kennedy announced she would leave her ambassadorial position regardless of the result of the presidential election.
2024: Dollar Conversion
In 1977, Caroline Kennedy earned $156 a week as an intern which is equivalent to $809 in 2024 dollars.
January 2025: Spoke Out Against Cousin 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.
