Jackie Kennedy: The Onassis Years

As Jackie Kennedy Onassis stood with her new husband, Aristotle Onassis, the couple embodied an enigma that would forever alter their legacies—melding tragedy, controversy, and an undeniable allure into the annals of 20th-century lore.

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How The Kennedys Went From “New Money” To “Old Money”:    • How The Kennedys Went From “New Money” To ...  

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TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 Introduction
1:28 Chapter 1: Meeting The Greek
3:05 Chapter 2: Attracting Aristotle
7:34 Chapter 3: The Ups and Down of Life as Jackie Onassis
10:39 Chapter 4: Life After Aristotle

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Step back to the crisp autumn of 1968, when the Ionian Sea's shimmering waters witnessed an extraordinary union on the secluded island of Scorpios.

Here, Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis and America's widowed First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, intertwined their destinies in a wedding that sent shockwaves through high societies of Europe and the United States.

Despite Jacqueline's image as the radiant heart of "Camelot," her decision to marry the controversial 62-year-old Onassis was seen by many as a sordid betrayal, jarring the elite and captivating public imagination.

This episode delves into the social dynamics, wealth, and woe that characterized Jacqueline Kennedy's iconic "old money" saga during her Onassis years.

Chapter 1 begins with the backdrop of Jacqueline's life before Aristotle, highlighting her role as First Lady and her grace underlined by tragedy following President Kennedy's assassination.

Meeting Aristotle Onassis aboard his luxurious yacht through her sister, Lee Radziwill, set the stage for a complex relationship that would captivate global attention.

Despite Onassis's reputation in America as the epitome of ruthless ambition, for Jacqueline, he represented a source of comfort and support amidst a tumultuous decade.

The story then explores their controversial union, which melded tragedy, controversy, and an undeniable allure into the annals of 20th-century lore.

Their wedding on Scorpios was a spectacle of luxury and privacy, a stark contrast to the expected lavish public celebrations, reflecting both Onassis's grandeur and Jacqueline's need for a retreat from the public eye.

In Chapter 2, we delve into the dynamics of Jacqueline's life with Aristotle, including their glamorous lifestyle and the challenges they faced.

The chapter examines how Jacqueline navigated her new role amid skepticism and intrigue, balancing her public image with her private vulnerabilities.

Despite the luxurious settings and high-profile social circles, their marriage was fraught with personal challenges, including Onassis's rumored infidelities and the intense media scrutiny that followed the couple.

The narrative continues in Chapter 3 with an in-depth look at the impact of their union on Jacqueline's legacy. Despite the controversies, the marriage afforded her a level of security and helped her find a footing in a life dramatically altered by personal losses.

This chapter also touches on the broader implications of their relationship for the Kennedy family and American society's perception of Jacqueline, exploring how her marriage to Onassis affected her children and her own self-image.

Finally, Chapter 4 reflects on the lasting effects of the Onassis years on Jacqueline Kennedy's image and legacy.

After Aristotle's death, Jacqueline's life underwent another transformation as she returned to the United States and embarked on a successful career in publishing.

Her later years were marked by significant contributions to cultural preservation and a quiet re-engagement with the political sphere, culminating in her dignified and private battle with illness and her death in 1994.

This episode offers a nuanced portrait of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's years with Aristotle, providing insights into how this chapter of her life influenced her public persona and private self-realization. It invites viewers to reflect on the complexities of legacy and the personal choices of one of the 20th century's most scrutinized women.