Historian Steven M. Gillon shares his friendship with John F. Kennedy Jr. on the 20th anniversary of his tragic plane crash, offering insights into the couple's rocky marriage and Kennedy Jr.'s political aspirations.
On a fateful July night in 1999, John F. Kennedy Jr., the son of the assassinated U.S. president, perished in a plane crash that also claimed the lives of his wife, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and her sister, Lauren Bessette. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the nation and the world, leaving behind a legacy of unanswered questions and speculation.
Historian Steven M. Gillon, a close friend of Kennedy Jr., has penned a poignant memoir that sheds light on the couple's final years, revealing a marriage that was both passionate and tumultuous. According to Gillon, the pair had been facing significant challenges, including external pressures and marital conflicts, but were determined to work through their issues.
Untimely Ends: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's Troubled Marriage
"They were in marriage counseling," Gillon recounted to Fox News Digital. "It's a positive sign that they were taking meaningful steps to work on their marriage." Author Elizabeth Beller, who has written extensively about the couple, corroborated Gillon's claims. "I see it as a positive that they were taking meaningful steps to work on their issues," she said. "I do believe things were getting better."
One of the key stressors in their marriage was the relentless media scrutiny that came with Kennedy Jr.'s famous last name. Bessette-Kennedy, who was a public relations professional, found herself struggling to cope with the constant attention and the negative press that often portrayed her unfairly. "It was impossible for Carolyn to continue working," Beller said. "She was suddenly overwhelmed by the press scrutiny. I think it was debilitating for her and sent her into a depression."
Untimely Ends: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's Troubled Marriage
Adding to their troubles was the impending death of Anthony Radziwill, Kennedy Jr.'s close friend and cousin. The couple was deeply concerned about Radziwill's health and the emotional toll it was taking on them. Kennedy Jr. was also wrestling with his career path, torn between following in his family's footsteps into politics or pursuing other interests.
Amidst all these challenges, Bessette-Kennedy remained steadfast in her desire to make a difference in the world. She had considered producing documentary films to raise awareness for underserved populations. "She also needed to see what John's next step was going to be," Beller explained. "There was so much expectation because of his last name."
Untimely Ends: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's Troubled Marriage
Kennedy Jr. had always known that he would eventually enter politics, but the timing and circumstances were uncertain. Bessette-Kennedy was aware of this possibility and the implications it would have on their lives. "She was very well aware that, eventually, John would get into politics," Beller said. "That would mean a public life. But they also weren't prepared for the frenzy that came upon them from the paparazzi."
Despite the difficulties, the couple remained committed to each other and were determined to overcome their obstacles. "John was figuring things out, and she had to figure things out, too," Beller added. "They were both growing and changing." However, fate had a tragic end in store for the young couple.
Untimely Ends: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's Troubled Marriage
On the evening of July 16, 1999, Kennedy Jr. was piloting a plane from New Jersey to Martha's Vineyard when it disappeared from radar and crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. The cause of the crash was determined to be Kennedy Jr.'s spatial disorientation due to hazy conditions and his inexperience with flying at night.
The loss of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy left a profound void in the lives of their loved ones and the nation as a whole. The young couple had faced their challenges with resilience and determination but were ultimately denied the opportunity to fulfill their dreams together. Their untimely deaths serve as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have.
Untimely Ends: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's Troubled Marriage
