Even decades after her death, many have wondered what Jackie Kennedy was like as a mother. It was clear she adored her children, and wanted the best for them; and would do just about anything to achieve that. And in a resurfaced excerpt from one of her son, John F. Kennedy Jr’s, friends revealed exactly […]
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Even decades after her death, many have wondered what Jackie Kennedy was like as a mother. It was clear she adored her children, and wanted the best for them; and would do just about anything to achieve that. And in a resurfaced excerpt from one of her son, John F. Kennedy Jr’s, friends revealed exactly what kind of mom Jackie was, and the way she ensured her son would be successful and healthy.
Historian and pal of the late JFK Jr, Steven M. Gillon, wrote in his book America’s Reluctant Prince: The Life of John F. Kennedy Jr that his mother, Jackie, used everything in her power to watch and help JFK Jr.
In an amalgamation of interviews, research, and personal anecdotes, Gillon revealed that Jackie could’ve been considered the OG helicopter mom.
“She was a helicopter mom before there was such a term,” Gillon said, via InStyle. “She guided him, she could be tough with him. The one thing that she impressed upon John was that he had to lead a meaningful life … She knew what John was like, absent minded, so she would arrange for people to contact John — so John was always getting these internships, especially when he was in law school.”
So, Gillan claims that Jackie knew her son needed help, and she did everything she could to make it happen, despite him never catching on. Gillon added, “He used to think they just fell on his lap but in fact his mom was arranging all these things behind the scenes. She was calling on her large collection of other powerful people and had them intervene to help guide John through various stages of his life.”
Gillon truly paints a vivid picture of what being Jackie’s son was like, and it’s clear she tried to give the world to her children.
For those who don’t know, Jackie and John F. Kennedy had four children: Caroline, born in Nov 1957, John F. Jr, born in Nov 1960, Patrick Bouvier, born in Aug 1963, and Arabella, who was born in Aug 1956. T
ragically, Patrick and Arabella died within days of being born, with Arabella being born stillborn. John F Jr died in 1999 after a plane crash took his life, along with his wife Carolyn Bessette and her sister Lauren.
Before you go, click here to see the best presidential love stories in U.S. history.
