History of Caroline Kennedy in Timeline
Caroline Bouvier Kennedy, the only surviving child of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, is an accomplished American author, attorney, and diplomat. She currently serves as the United States ambassador to Australia since 2022. Previously, she served as the U.S. ambassador to Japan during the Obama administration from 2013 to 2017.
November 27, 1957: Birth of Caroline Kennedy
Caroline Bouvier Kennedy was born on November 27, 1957, at New York Hospital to Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy and John F. Kennedy, then a U.S. senator from Massachusetts. She is named after her maternal aunt, Lee Radziwill, and maternal great-grandmother, Caroline Ewing Bouvier.
1960: Birth of John F. Kennedy Jr.
In 1960, Caroline Kennedy's younger brother, John F. Kennedy Jr., was born just before her third birthday.
1960: John F. Kennedy Wins Presidential Election
Less than a month before Caroline's third birthday in 1960, her father John F. Kennedy won the presidential election. Caroline spent her early childhood years in the White House during his presidency.
1960: Nomination of John F. Kennedy at the Democratic National Convention
The Democratic Party nominated John F. Kennedy for president at the 1960 Democratic National Convention, marking a significant historical moment.
November 22, 1963: Assassination of John F. Kennedy
On November 22, 1963, John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Caroline, nearly six years old, moved with her brother and mother to Manhattan the following year.
1963: Death of Patrick Bouvier Kennedy
In 1963, Caroline Kennedy's brother, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, died two days after his premature birth.
1963: Family Moves Out of the White House
In December 1963, two weeks after President Kennedy's assassination, Jacqueline Kennedy, Caroline, and John Jr. moved out of the White House and returned to Georgetown.
1967: Caroline Kennedy Christens USS John F. Kennedy
In 1967, Caroline Kennedy christened the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy in a widely publicized ceremony in Newport News, Virginia.
1968: Assassination of Robert F. Kennedy
In 1968, Caroline Kennedy's uncle Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated. Jacqueline Kennedy, seeking to protect her children, moved the family to Skorpios, Greece, after marrying Aristotle Onassis.
1970: Ted Kennedy Becomes Caroline's Godfather
In 1970, Jacqueline Kennedy requested Ted Kennedy to become Caroline'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 to view his official portrait at the invitation of President Richard Nixon.
March 1975: Death of Aristotle Onassis
In March 1975, Aristotle Onassis died, and Caroline Kennedy attended his funeral on Skorpios. Shortly after, she survived an IRA car bomb attack while in London.
1975: Graduation from Concord Academy
In 1975, Caroline Kennedy graduated from Concord Academy in Massachusetts.
1976: Worked at Winter Olympics
In 1976, Caroline Kennedy worked as a photographer's assistant at the Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria.
1977: Internship at New York Daily News
In 1977, Caroline Kennedy worked as a summer intern at the New York Daily News, earning $156 a week and performing various tasks for the staff.
1978: Visits Hiroshima with Senator Ted Kennedy
Caroline Kennedy first visited Hiroshima in 1978 with her uncle, Senator Ted Kennedy.
1980: Caroline Kennedy Graduates from Harvard University
Caroline Kennedy earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Radcliffe College at Harvard University in 1980. Despite considering photojournalism, she pursued a career in arts and museum work.
December 4, 1984: Bomb Threat at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
On December 4, 1984, Caroline Kennedy received a bomb threat from a man who identified himself while working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He was later apprehended.
1986: Caroline Kennedy Marries Edwin Schlossberg
Caroline Kennedy married exhibit designer Edwin Schlossberg in 1986 at Our Lady of Victory Church in Centerville, Massachusetts. Her cousin, Maria Shriver, was the matron of honor, and her uncle, Ted Kennedy, walked her down the aisle.
1988: Caroline Kennedy Graduates from Columbia Law School
In 1988, Caroline Kennedy graduated in the top ten percent of her class from Columbia Law School with a Juris Doctor degree.
1988: Birth of Rose Kennedy Schlossberg
Caroline Kennedy's first child, Rose Kennedy Schlossberg, was born in 1988.
1988: Registers to Vote in New York City
Caroline Kennedy registered to vote in New York City in 1988.
1989: Creation of the Profile in Courage Award
Caroline Kennedy and her family established the Profile in Courage Award in 1989 to honor individuals who demonstrate courageous leadership in the spirit of John F. Kennedy's book, "Profiles in Courage."
1990: Birth of Tatiana Celia Kennedy Schlossberg
Caroline Kennedy's second child, Tatiana Celia Kennedy Schlossberg, was born in 1990.
1991: Publication of "In Our Defense: The Bill of Rights In Action"
Caroline Kennedy co-authored the book "In Our Defense: The Bill of Rights In Action" with Ellen Alderman, which was published in 1991. The book aimed to shed light on the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
1993: Birth of John Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg
Caroline Kennedy's third child, a son named John Bouvier Kennedy Schlossberg (known as Jack), was born in 1993.
1994: Death of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
Caroline Kennedy's mother, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, passed away in 1994. This brought Caroline and her brother John Jr. closer together.
1997: Caroline Kennedy Attends the Dedication of the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library
Caroline Kennedy attended the dedication of the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library in 1997.
December 7, 1999: Caroline Kennedy Attends Robin Hood Foundation Annual Breakfast
On December 7, 1999, Caroline Kennedy attended the Robin Hood Foundation annual breakfast, an organization her late brother, John, was passionate about.
1999: Death of John F. Kennedy Jr.
John F. Kennedy Jr., Caroline's brother, died in a plane crash in 1999, leaving Caroline as the sole surviving member of President Kennedy's immediate family. She honored his wish for a private farewell, cremating his remains and scattering the ashes off the coast of Martha's Vineyard.
2000: Caroline Kennedy Endorses Al Gore for President and Speaks at the Democratic National Convention
In 2000, Caroline Kennedy endorsed Al Gore for president, citing a connection due to their fathers' shared Senate service. She spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles, marking the first time a Kennedy addressed the convention since her father's nomination in 1960.
2001: Caroline Kennedy Presents 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 former President Richard M. Nixon.
2002: Caroline Kennedy Appointed Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for the New York City Department of Education
In 2002, Caroline Kennedy was appointed by School Chancellor Joel Klein as the director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for the New York City Department of Education. In this role, she focused on raising private funds for the city's public schools.
November 2004: Caroline Kennedy Attends the Dedication of the Bill Clinton Presidential Center and Park
Caroline Kennedy represented her family at the dedication of the Bill Clinton Presidential Center and Park in Little Rock, Arkansas, in November 2004.
2004: Caroline Kennedy Concludes Role as Director of Strategic Partnerships
Caroline Kennedy concluded her role as director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for the New York City Department of Education in 2004 after successfully raising over \$65 million for the public school system.
2006: Caroline Kennedy Donates to Hillary Clinton's Senatorial Campaign
Caroline Kennedy had previously donated a total of $5,000 to Hillary Clinton's 2006 senatorial campaign.
June 29, 2007: Caroline Kennedy Donates to Hillary Clinton's Presidential Campaign
Federal Election Commission records show that on June 29, 2007, Caroline Kennedy contributed $2,300 to Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential campaign committee.
September 18, 2007: Caroline Kennedy Donates to Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign
Caroline Kennedy donated $2,300 to Barack Obama's presidential campaign committee on September 18, 2007, according to Federal Election Commission records.
2007: Publication of "A Family Christmas"
Caroline Kennedy authored and published "A Family Christmas," a compilation of poems, prose, and personal anecdotes from her family's history, in 2007.
January 27, 2008: Caroline Kennedy Endorses Barack Obama for President
Caroline Kennedy publicly endorsed Barack Obama for president in the 2008 U.S. presidential election through a New York Times op-ed piece titled "A President Like My Father" published on January 27, 2008. In the piece, she expressed her belief that Obama possessed the qualities to inspire a new generation.
June 4, 2008: Co-Chair of Obama's Vice Presidential Search Committee
On June 4, 2008, Caroline Kennedy was named a co-chair, alongside Jim Johnson and Eric Holder, for Barack Obama's Vice Presidential Search Committee.
December 2008: Faces Criticism Over Interviews and Public Speaking Style
Caroline Kennedy faced criticism in December 2008 for her performance in interviews, with some media outlets pointing to a lack of clarity and overuse of certain phrases.
December 2008: Expresses Interest in Hillary Clinton's Senate Seat
Caroline Kennedy expressed interest in the US Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton in December 2008, which was to be filled by appointment of New York Governor David Paterson.
2008: Endorsement of Barack Obama
In 2008, Caroline Kennedy, alongside her uncle Ted Kennedy, endorsed Democratic candidate Barack Obama in the presidential election. She actively campaigned for him and served as co-chair of his Vice Presidential Search Committee.
January 22, 2009: Withdraws from Senate Seat Consideration
Citing "personal reasons," Caroline Kennedy withdrew from consideration for Hillary Clinton's vacated Senate seat on January 22, 2009.
2010: Okinawa Governor Re-elected on Anti-Base Platform
Okinawa's governor, Hirokazu Nakaima, was re-elected in 2010, running on a platform opposing the US military base.
April 2011: Publication and Launch of "She Walks in Beauty - A Woman's Journey Through Poems"
Caroline Kennedy released her edited collection of poetry, titled "She Walks in Beauty - A Woman's Journey Through Poems," in April 2011. The book launch was held at the John F. Kennedy Library & Museum in Dorchester, Massachusetts.
June 27, 2012: Campaigns for Obama's Re-election
Caroline Kennedy participated in President Obama's 2012 re-election campaign, making appearances in New Hampshire on June 27, 2012, to support his campaign.
February 2013: Potential Nomination as US Ambassador to Japan Reported
Reports emerged in February 2013 speculating about Caroline Kennedy's potential nomination as US Ambassador to Japan.
July 2013: Japan Gives Diplomatic Agreement for Ambassadorship
By mid-July 2013, the Japanese government formally agreed to Caroline Kennedy's appointment as US Ambassador to Japan.
July 24, 2013: Nominated as US Ambassador to Japan
President Obama announced Caroline Kennedy's nomination for US Ambassador to Japan on July 24, 2013, to succeed John Roos.
August 28, 2013: Caroline Kennedy Attends the Fiftieth-Anniversary Ceremony of the March on Washington
Caroline Kennedy was present at the fiftieth-anniversary ceremony of the March on Washington on August 28, 2013.
September 19, 2013: Testifies Before Senate Committee
Caroline Kennedy appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on September 19, 2013, answering questions regarding her ambassadorship nomination and outlining her priorities for the role.
September 30, 2013: Nomination for Ambassadorship Moves to Senate
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee favorably reported Caroline Kennedy's nomination to the Senate floor on September 30, 2013.
October 16, 2013: Confirmed as US Ambassador to Japan
Caroline Kennedy was confirmed by the Senate on October 16, 2013, as the first female US Ambassador to Japan.
December 2013: Visits Nagasaki and Meets Atomic Bombing Survivors
Caroline Kennedy travelled to Nagasaki in December 2013 to meet with survivors of the 1945 atomic bombing.
2013: Appointed as Ambassador to Japan
In 2013, President Obama appointed Caroline Kennedy as the United States ambassador to Japan, marking a significant milestone in her career.
2013: Ambassador to Japan
In 2013, Caroline Kennedy was appointed as the United States ambassador to Japan during the Obama administration, serving until 2017.
February 2014: Visits Okinawa and Addresses Protests
Caroline Kennedy visited Okinawa in February 2014 and was met with protests against the US military presence there. She acknowledged the concerns and pledged to work towards reducing the burden of the military bases.
August 5, 2014: Attends Hiroshima Atomic Bombing Memorial
On August 5, 2014, Caroline Kennedy attended the memorial ceremony for victims of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima, making her the second US ambassador to do so.
April 2015: Visits Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
Caroline Kennedy visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum in April 2015, reflecting on the impact of the 1945 atomic bombing.
August 6, 2015: Attends Hiroshima Atomic Bombing Memorial
On August 6, 2015, Caroline Kennedy, along with US Under Secretary of State Rose Gottemoeller, attended the memorial for the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on its 70th anniversary.
August 15, 2015: Named Sponsor for USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79)
Caroline Kennedy was named the sponsor of the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), a Gerald R. Ford class supercarrier, on August 15, 2015.
January 18, 2017: Resignation as US Ambassador to Japan
Caroline Kennedy formally resigned from her position as US Ambassador to Japan on January 18, 2017, prior to Donald Trump's inauguration.
August 2017: Caroline Kennedy Elected to Boeing Board of Directors
Following her time as ambassador to Japan, Caroline Kennedy was elected to the board of directors of the Boeing Company in August 2017.
2017: End of Ambassadorship in Japan
Caroline Kennedy's term as the United States ambassador to Japan ended in 2017.
December 7, 2019: Caroline Kennedy Christens the USS John F. Kennedy
Caroline Kennedy christened the new USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) at Newport News Shipbuilding on December 7, 2019.
2020: Media Speculation for Presidential Run
In 2020, there was media speculation about Caroline Kennedy potentially running for president in the primaries and election, but this did not materialize.
January 15, 2021: Caroline Kennedy Resigns from Boeing Board of Directors
Caroline Kennedy stepped down from her position on the board of directors of Boeing on January 15, 2021.
December 15, 2021: Nomination for US Ambassador to Australia
On December 15, 2021, Caroline Kennedy was nominated by President Joe Biden for the position of US Ambassador to Australia.
2021: Awarding of Japan's Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun
In 2021, Caroline Kennedy was honored with Japan's Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun for her service as US Ambassador to Japan.
April 7, 2022: Senate Nomination Hearing
Caroline Kennedy participated in a nomination hearing on April 7, 2022, before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, for her appointment as US Ambassador to Australia.
May 4, 2022: Senate Committee Approval
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee favorably reported Caroline Kennedy's nomination to the Senate floor on May 4, 2022, recommending her confirmation as the US Ambassador to Australia.
May 5, 2022: Senate Confirmation
Caroline Kennedy secured Senate confirmation on May 5, 2022, via voice vote, officially making her the US Ambassador to Australia.
June 10, 2022: Took Office as Ambassador to Australia
On June 10, 2022, Caroline Kennedy took office as the United States ambassador to Australia following her confirmation.
July 25, 2022: Presentation of Credentials
Caroline Kennedy formally presented her credentials to David Hurley, the Governor-General of Australia, on July 25, 2022, signifying her assumption of duties as US Ambassador.
2022: Ambassador to Australia
In 2022, Caroline Kennedy was appointed as the United States ambassador to Australia, continuing her diplomatic career.
August 2023: Suggestion for Resolution in Julian Assange Case
In August 2023, Caroline Kennedy, in her role as US Ambassador to Australia, proposed the possibility of a plea bargain or other "resolution" in the extradition case of journalist Julian Assange.
2023: Reflecting on Internship Experience
In 2023, it was reported that Caroline Kennedy's experiences during her 1977 internship at the New York Daily News included fetching coffee, changing typewriter ribbons, and delivering messages.