History of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in Timeline

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was an American fashion publicist who gained significant public attention following her marriage to John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1996. Before her marriage, she worked for Calvin Klein. She became a style icon, with her fashion choices closely followed by the media. Tragically, Carolyn, John, and her sister Lauren perished in a plane crash off Martha's Vineyard in 1999, cutting short her life and solidifying her place in popular culture and history.

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Full Timeline

January 7, 1966: Carolyn Bessette Born

On January 7, 1966, Carolyn Jeanne Bessette, later known as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, was born. She would later become a fashion publicist and marry John F. Kennedy Jr.

Others born on this day/year

1984: Graduation from High School

In 1984, Carolyn Bessette graduated from St. Mary's High School. During her time there she was voted "Ultimate Beautiful Person" by her classmates.

1988: Graduation from Boston University

In 1988, Carolyn Bessette graduated from Boston University's School of Education with a degree in elementary education.

1992: First Meeting with John F. Kennedy Jr.

In 1992, Carolyn Bessette first met attorney and publisher John F. Kennedy Jr., while he was dating actress Daryl Hannah.

1994: Began Dating John F. Kennedy Jr.

In 1994, Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. began dating, becoming a frequent target of paparazzi and gossip columns.

1994: Introduction to Ted Kennedy

In the late summer of 1994, Carolyn Bessette was introduced to John F. Kennedy Jr.'s uncle, Senator Ted Kennedy.

1995: Engagement to John F. Kennedy Jr.

In the summer of 1995, Carolyn Bessette moved into John F. Kennedy Jr.'s Tribeca loft, and the couple became engaged later that year.

September 21, 1996: Wedding to John F. Kennedy Jr.

On September 21, 1996, Carolyn Bessette married John F. Kennedy Jr. in a private ceremony on Cumberland Island, Georgia. She wore a pearl-white silk crêpe dress by Narciso Rodriguez of Cerruti.

1996: Marriage to John F. Kennedy Jr.

In 1996, Carolyn Bessette married attorney and publisher John F. Kennedy Jr. The marriage brought intense media scrutiny to her life and fashion sense.

1996: Continued Career at Calvin Klein

Until her marriage in 1996, Carolyn Bessette worked for Calvin Klein. She rose from a saleswoman to director of publicity for the company's flagship store in Manhattan.

March 1998: White House Tour

In March 1998, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and her husband were given a tour of the White House by President Bill Clinton.

March 1999: Marriage Counseling

In March 1999, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr. began seeing a marriage counselor to address issues in their relationship.

July 16, 1999: Death in Plane Crash

On July 16, 1999, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, her husband John F. Kennedy Jr., and her sister Lauren Bessette died in a plane crash off the coast of Martha's Vineyard.

2004: Publication of 'The Other Man'

In 2004, Michael Bergin, a Calvin Klein model and former boyfriend of Carolyn Bessette before she married Kennedy, published his memoir titled 'The Other Man: John F. Kennedy Jr., Carolyn Bessette, and Me'.

The Other Man: John F. Kennedy Jr., Carolyn Bessette, and Me

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2005: Publication of 'What Remains'

In 2005, Carole Radziwill, a close friend of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, published a memoir entitled 'What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship and Love', which includes her memories of the plane crash.

What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship, and Love

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2015: Influence on Wes Gordon's Collection

In 2015, Wes Gordon acknowledged the influence of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's style on the clothing for women in his collection that year.

July 13, 2019: Release of Wedding Footage in TLC Special

On July 13, 2019, footage of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr.'s secret wedding was released in 'JFK Jr. and Carolyn's Wedding: The Lost Tapes', a two-hour special on TLC.

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