History of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in Timeline

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was an American fashion publicist, best known for her marriage to John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1996. Before her marriage, she worked for Calvin Klein, but subsequently became a subject of intense media interest, focusing on her personal life and distinctive style. Tragically, she, her husband, and her sister Lauren, perished in a plane crash near Martha's Vineyard in 1999, cutting short her life and solidifying her place in popular memory.

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Full Timeline

1939: Birth of Ann Marie Messina

In 1939, Ann Marie Messina, Carolyn Bessette's mother, was born. She later became an administrator in the New York City public school system.

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1942: Birth of William Joseph Bessette

In 1942, William Joseph Bessette, Carolyn Bessette's father, was born. He later became an architectural engineer and cabinet-maker.

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January 7, 1966: Carolyn Bessette's Birth

On January 7, 1966, Carolyn Jeanne Bessette was born. She would later become known as Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy after her marriage to John F. Kennedy Jr.

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1974: Divorce of Carolyn Bessette's Parents

In 1974, when Carolyn Bessette was 8 years old, her parents divorced. Her mother later remarried and moved to Old Greenwich, Connecticut.

1984: High School Graduation

In 1984, Carolyn Bessette graduated from St. Mary's High School.

1988: Appearance in "The Girls of B.U."

In 1988, Carolyn Bessette appeared on the cover of Boston University's calendar, "The Girls of B.U.", after briefly attempting a modeling career.

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: Dating John F. Kennedy Jr.

In 1994, Carolyn Bessette and John F. Kennedy Jr. began dating. They became a popular target for paparazzi and gossip columns.

1994: Introduction to Senator 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. 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 wedding dress by Narciso Rodriguez of Cerruti.

1996: Marriage to John F. Kennedy Jr.

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

March 1998: White House Tour

In March 1998, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and her husband, John F. Kennedy Jr., 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 a 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 her marriage to Kennedy, published a memoir titled 'The Other Man: John F. Kennedy Jr., Carolyn Bessette, and Me'.

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

Check it on Amazon

2005: Publication of 'What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship and Love'

In 2005, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's close friend Carole Radziwill published 'What Remains: A Memoir of Fate, Friendship and Love', which includes her memories of the plane crash that took place weeks before her husband's death.

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

Check it on Amazon

2015: Wes Gordon Acknowledges Bessette-Kennedy's Impact

In 2015, Wes Gordon, despite disliking discussions about influences, admitted Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's impact on the clothing for women in that year's collection, having been interested in her style prior to production.

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, which included interviews with family and guests.

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