It was a chance encounter that would change the course of her life.
A moment in time that would lead to a controversial marriage and a new chapter in the story of one of America’s most iconic first ladies.
But how did it all begin?
How did she meet the man who would become her second husband?
In this article, we delve into the story of how two worlds collided, and the unlikely romance that ensued.
Join us as we explore the fascinating tale of Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis.
How Did Jackie Kennedy Meet Aristotle Onassis
Jackie Kennedy first met Aristotle Onassis during a fall vacation in Greece. She had been invited to spend time on Onassis’ yacht by a close friend or family member. At the time, Jackie was going through a difficult period in her life, having recently lost her son and feeling unhappy with her role as First Lady.
Onassis was already a well-known figure in the world of business and shipping, and his wealth and influence were legendary. Despite their age difference and different backgrounds, Jackie was impressed by his charm and sophistication.
As they spent time together on the yacht, walking along the water’s edge and enjoying the beautiful scenery, Jackie began to open up to Onassis about her feelings and concerns. It is said that she confided in him about her desire for a different life, away from the pressures of politics and public scrutiny.
Over time, their relationship deepened, and they began to see each other more frequently. Despite some initial resistance from Jackie’s family and friends, she eventually decided to marry Onassis in a private ceremony on his private island.
The Background Of Jackie Kennedy
Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy Onassis was born on July 28, 1929, in Southampton, New York, to a wealthy and prominent family. She was educated at prestigious schools such as Miss Porter’s School in Connecticut and Vassar College in New York.
After graduating from college with a degree in French literature, Jackie began working as an inquiring photographer for the Washington Times-Herald. It was during this time that she met then-Congressman John F. Kennedy at a dinner party in Washington.
The couple married in 1953 and had four children, two of whom died in infancy. Following JFK’s election to the presidency in 1960, Jackie became known for her highly publicized restoration of the White House and her emphasis on arts and culture.
After JFK’s assassination in 1963, Jackie and her children largely withdrew from public view. However, she continued to be a highly regarded figure in American society and worked to preserve her husband’s legacy.
In 1968, Jackie shocked many by marrying Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. While controversial at the time, their relationship lasted until Onassis’ death in 1975.
Throughout her life, Jackie was known for her unique fashion sense and fluency in multiple languages. She remains one of the most popular and recognizable first ladies in American history.
The Early Life Of Aristotle Onassis
Aristotle Onassis was born on January 15, 1906, in Smyrna, a city in modern-day Turkey. He was the son of a wealthy tobacco merchant, and his family enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle. However, his early life was marked by tragedy when his father and brother both died within a few years of each other.
Despite this setback, Onassis was determined to succeed and make a name for himself. He began working in his uncle’s tobacco business and quickly showed a talent for sales and marketing. He eventually branched out into other industries, including shipping and oil.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Onassis became one of the wealthiest men in the world, thanks to his shrewd business dealings and investments. He was known for his extravagant lifestyle, which included yachts, private islands, and luxurious homes in Paris, New York, and Athens.
Despite his success, Onassis was not without controversy. He was accused of bribery and corruption in some of his business dealings, and his personal life was often the subject of tabloid gossip.
Nonetheless, Onassis remained a powerful figure in the world of business and politics until his death in 1975. His marriage to Jackie Kennedy was just one chapter in a long and fascinating life filled with triumphs and scandals.
The First Meeting: Chance Encounter On A Yacht
Jackie Kennedy’s first meeting with Aristotle Onassis was a chance encounter that took place during her fall vacation in Greece. She had been invited to spend time on Onassis’ yacht by a close friend or family member, who was allegedly involved with Onassis herself.
At the time, Jackie was going through a difficult period in her life. She had recently lost her son and was feeling depressed and unhappy with her role as First Lady. However, she was impressed by the fact that her friend or family member was friends with one of the world’s wealthiest men.
During their time together on the yacht, Jackie and Onassis walked along the water’s edge and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. It is said that Jackie confided in Onassis about her desire for a different life, away from the pressures of politics and public scrutiny. She even expressed her wish that her Greek island vacation would never end.
Despite their age difference and different backgrounds, Jackie was charmed by Onassis’ sophistication and worldly knowledge. Over time, their relationship deepened, and they began to see each other more frequently.
The chance encounter on Onassis’ yacht proved to be a turning point in Jackie’s life. It eventually led to her marriage to Onassis, which caused controversy at the time but also provided her with a sense of healing and comfort during a difficult period in her life.
The Development Of Their Relationship
The relationship between Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis developed over time, starting with their initial meeting on his yacht in Greece. Jackie was going through a difficult period in her life, having recently lost her son and feeling unhappy with her role as First Lady. Onassis was already a well-known figure in the world of business and shipping, and his wealth and influence were legendary.
As they spent time together on the yacht, Jackie began to open up to Onassis about her feelings and concerns. It is said that she confided in him about her desire for a different life, away from the pressures of politics and public scrutiny. Over time, they began to see each other more frequently, and their relationship deepened.
Despite some initial resistance from Jackie’s family and friends, she eventually decided to marry Onassis in a private ceremony on his private island. The marriage was not one of love, but rather one of convenience and security for Jackie and her children. Nevertheless, the two remained close until Onassis’ death in 1975.
The Controversial Marriage: Public Opinion And Family Reaction
The marriage between Jackie Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis was met with controversy and mixed reactions from the public and her family. Many were shocked that the former First Lady would marry a wealthy Greek shipping tycoon, especially just five years after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Some newspapers referred to Onassis as a philanderer, having had affairs with famous opera singers and even Jackie’s younger sister, Lee Radziwill. The Vatican’s Osservatore Romano was notably silent on the marriage, highlighting the Catholic Church’s embarrassment over the union of one of its most noted members to a divorcé.
While some church officials condemned the marriage as a violation of church laws, others like Richard Cardinal Cushing of Boston supported Jackie and assisted in the planning of the wedding. However, there were also reports that members of the Kennedy administration and family tried to stop the marriage from taking place.
Despite the controversy, Jackie and Onassis’ marriage lasted until his death in 1975. Their union forever changed how First Families were covered by the media and inadvertently led to the creation of a porn empire that still stands today.
The Life Of Jackie And Aristotle Onassis As A Couple
After their marriage, Jackie and Aristotle Onassis became one of the most talked-about couples in the world. They traveled extensively and enjoyed a life of luxury, spending time on Onassis’ yachts and private islands.
Their relationship was not without controversy, however. Many criticized Jackie for marrying a man who was known for his womanizing and questionable business practices. Some also felt that she had betrayed the memory of her late husband, President John F. Kennedy.
Despite these criticisms, Jackie and Onassis remained devoted to each other until his death in 1975. After his passing, Jackie returned to the United States and resumed her private life, working as a book editor in New York City.
Throughout her life, Jackie remained an iconic figure, known for her grace, elegance, and dedication to public service. Her relationship with Onassis was just one chapter in a remarkable life that continues to inspire and captivate people around the world.
