Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy was born on July 28, 1929, in Southampton, New York, a surprise birth far from the Manhattan hospital her parents had planned. Her father, John “Blackjack” Bouvier III, was a rising Wall Street figure, and her mother, Janet Norton Lee, hailed from a powerful banking family. Despite the privilege surrounding her, cracks in her family life appeared early. Her father’s gambling and drinking led to a public and painful divorce finalized when Jackie was just 11.

From a young age, Jackie found solace in horseback riding, a passion encouraged by her mother but ultimately serving as a refuge from family turmoil. The family moved to a sprawling Park Avenue apartment, but financial troubles shadowed their lives. Jackie’s cleverness and independence emerged early as she navigated the complexities of her upbringing, often seeking control in small ways.

Jackie’s ambitions extended beyond society pages and debutante balls. She pursued journalism, slipping into roles few women held in the newsroom of the 1950s. Her writing was sharp and insightful, covering stories from fashion to civil rights, even taking clandestine photos during the Korean War that exposed racial inequalities. She ghostwrote for her mother’s charity columns and balanced a demanding social calendar with a fierce desire to be recognized for her intellect and talent.

In 1951, Jackie met Senator John F. Kennedy, and their relationship blossomed amidst the political and social whirlwinds of the era. They married in 1953, and Jackie continued her writing career even during their honeymoon. As JFK’s star rose, so did Jackie’s role—not just as a political wife but as a savvy media strategist and cultural icon.

When she became First Lady in 1961, Jackie brought her newsroom instincts to the White House. She spearheaded a massive restoration project, transforming the historic residence into a museum of American history and culture. Her televised tour of the White House in 1962 captivated 56 million viewers, turning a government building into a shared national treasure. Jackie’s influence extended beyond aesthetics; she invited controversial artists and musicians, championing freedom of expression even amid political tensions.