John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy had four children during their marriage, though only two survived into adulthood. Their family life was marked by both joy and profound tragedy, with two children dying in infancy.
The Children Who Died Young
Two of JFK and Jackie's children tragically died shortly after birth:
Arabella Kennedy
- Born: 1956
- Fate: Their first child, Arabella, was stillborn in 1956.
Patrick Bouvier Kennedy
- Born: 1963
- Fate: Patrick was born prematurely and died just two days after his birth in August 1963, only a few months before his father's assassination.
The Children Who Grew Up
Two of their children survived infancy and lived into adulthood, though one also met an untimely end.
Caroline Bouvier Kennedy
- Born: 1957
- Life and Career: Caroline Bouvier Kennedy is the eldest surviving child of JFK and Jacqueline Kennedy. Born in 1957, she lived in the White House during her father's presidency. After his death, she was raised primarily in New York City. She pursued a career in law, became an author, and has held significant diplomatic roles. Notably, she served as the United States Ambassador to Japan from 2013 to 2017 and is currently the United States Ambassador to Australia.
- For more details on Caroline Kennedy's life and career, visit her biographical page on Wikipedia.
John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr.
- Born: 1960
- Life and Tragic Death: John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr., often referred to as John-John, was born in 1960. He was a prominent figure in American public life, widely recognized for his charm and charisma. After a career in law, he ventured into publishing, launching George magazine in 1995. His life, however, was cut short. In July 1999, John F. Kennedy Jr. died in a plane crash off the coast of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. He was piloting the single-engine aircraft, and his wife, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and her sister, Lauren Bessette, were also on board and perished in the crash.
- Learn more about the life and legacy of John F. Kennedy Jr. on his Wikipedia page.
Summary of JFK's Children
The table below provides a concise overview of John F. Kennedy's children and their fates:
| Child's Name | Birth Year | Fate |
|---|---|---|
| Arabella Kennedy | 1956 | Stillborn |
| Caroline Bouvier Kennedy | 1957 | Grew up, became a diplomat |
| John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr. | 1960 | Grew up, died in a plane crash in 1999 |
| Patrick Bouvier Kennedy | 1963 | Died 2 days after premature birth |
