Photo by KEVIN WISNIEWSKI/REX/ShutterstockOn the anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination and with Natalie Portman’s “Jackie” movie getting great buzz, here is a timely reminder of what makes Jackie Kennedy endure as a fascinating figure, and one of the #WomenThatDid.
NAME: Jacqueline Lee “Jackie” Kennedy Onassis
LIFETIME: July 28, 1929 – May 19, 1994
WHAT SHE’S KNOWN FOR: Throughout her life, Jacqueline Kennedy continued to capture everyone’s hearts and respect with intelligence and grace. Following JFK’s assassination, Jackie became a symbol of strength for a traumatized nation. A widow at 34, she planned the president’s funeral, which was broadcast around the world. Millions shared her grief and admired her courage, dignity and composure. Soon after JFK’s death, Mrs. Kennedy started creating the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum as a memorial for her husband.
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WHY WE LOVE HER: As the First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy was more than just beautiful. Jackie “was a worker, which I don’t think was always quite recognized,” said Lady Bird Johnson, the wife of JFK’s vice president, Lyndon Johnson.
Jackie believed that the White House should be a place to celebrate American history, culture and achievement. Thus, her first project as First Lady was to restore and preserve the White House. With the help of many experts, she established a White House Fine Arts Committee and created the post of White House curator. Mrs. Kennedy also planned White House dinners with artists, writers, scientists and poets so they could mingle with some of the nation’s most important politicians and diplomats.
Additionally, Jackie traveled to Italy, India and Pakistan. Her cultural interest and ability to speak several languages, including French, Spanish and Italian, made her an ambassador of good will for America.
“Once in a great while, an individual will capture the imagination of people all over the world,” wrote Clark Clifford, a respected lawyer and adviser to President Kennedy. He told Jackie, “You have done this; and what is more important, through your graciousness and tact, you have transformed this rare accomplishment into an incredibly important asset to this nation.
FUN FACTS: Before her time as First Lady, Jackie wrote essays and poems that were sometimes published in local newspapers. In her high school newspaper, “Salmagundi,” she created a cartoon series that won the graduating award for literature.
And after college, she worked for the Washington Times-Herald as the publication’s “Inquiring Camera Girl” whose job was to photograph and interview local citizens with one question each day.
Throughout her life, Jackie Kennedy was deeply devoted to her family and her country and she dedicated herself to improving the world with art, literature, history and public service.
READ MORE: Natalie Portman Stars as Jackie O. in New Movie (VIDEO)
