Challenges in the Life of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 13, 2026

Life is full of challenges, and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, known as Jackie Kennedy and later Jackie O, was the First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963 during John F. Kennedy's presidency. She was considered a global icon due to her distinctive fashion sense and role as a cultural ambassador for the U.S. Her impact extended beyond politics, solidifying her place in popular culture and history.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

1929: Financial Difficulties after Wall Street Crash

Following the Wall Street Crash of 1929, the Bouvier family experienced financial difficulties, which added strain to the marriage.

1936: Separation of Parents

In 1936, the marriage of Jacqueline Bouvier's parents was strained by her father's alcoholism and extramarital affairs. They separated.

1954: John Kennedy's Spinal Operation

In late 1954, John Kennedy underwent a near-fatal spinal operation due to chronic back pain, which had been exacerbated by a war injury.

1955: Miscarriage

In 1955, Jacqueline Kennedy suffered a miscarriage, which added to the personal setbacks faced by the couple.

August 1956: Birth of Stillborn Daughter Arabella

In August 1956, Jacqueline Kennedy gave birth to a stillborn daughter, Arabella, adding to the personal challenges faced by the couple.

October 17, 1963: Jacqueline Kennedy returns from Greece

On October 17, 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy returned to the United States from Aristotle Onassis' yacht in Greece. She had been recuperating from the loss of her newborn son, Patrick. She expressed regret for being away so long, admitting she had been melancholy.

1963: Withdrawal from Public View

In 1963, after her husband's assassination and funeral, Jacqueline Kennedy and her children largely withdrew from public view to grieve privately.

1963: Jacqueline Kennedy gives birth to Patrick Bouvier Kennedy

In early August 1963, five weeks ahead of her due date, Jacqueline Kennedy gave birth to a boy, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, via emergency Caesarean section at Otis Air Force Base. Patrick Kennedy's lungs were not fully developed, and he died two days after birth.

1968: Suffers relapse of depression

After Robert Kennedy's death in 1968, Jacqueline Kennedy suffered a relapse of depression similar to what she experienced after her husband's assassination. She feared for the safety of herself and her children and expressed a desire to leave the country.

November 1993: Hospitalized after fall from horse

In November 1993, Jacqueline Onassis was hospitalized after being thrown from her horse during a fox hunt in Middleburg, Virginia. A swollen lymph node was discovered and initially diagnosed as an infection. The fall contributed to her deteriorating health.

January 1994: Diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma

In January 1994, Jacqueline Onassis was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma after developing new symptoms, including a stomach ache and swollen lymph nodes. She began chemotherapy and publicly announced the diagnosis.