The Untold Story Of John F. Kennedy Jr. And Carolyn Bessette: A Tragic Love

A Fateful Decision

Had Carolyn chosen not to attend, the tragic plane crash that claimed her life, along with John and her sister Lauren Bessette, might have been avoided. However, the couple, who had weathered a stormy relationship, were determined to mend their marriage. John promised Carolyn it would be her last visit to the Kennedy compound, a place where she felt out of place. Taraborrelli, the author of The Kennedy Heirs: John, Caroline, and the New Generation — A Legacy of Triumph and Tragedy, explains, "She went because they were trying to make things right."

Setting the Record Straight

Following their tragic deaths, rumors swirled about Carolyn's alleged extramarital affair. But Taraborrelli is firm in his belief that these claims are baseless. "I've seen the stories, but I don't buy it," he asserts. "They were deeply committed to each other. Their love was real, and their struggles were part of their journey to strengthen their bond."

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A Rocky Patch

Carolyn, a former publicist for Calvin Klein, had a close friendship with model Michael Bergin that stirred jealousy in John. Things came to a head one night when they shared a kiss. Carolyn, feeling guilty, confessed to John. His reaction was explosive—he confronted Bergin, punching him and demanding he stay away from his wife. "It was a turning point," Taraborrelli explains. "That Kennedy bravado upset Carolyn, and John's emotional distance only made things worse."

John's focus had been consumed by his cousin and best friend Anthony Radziwill's battle with cancer. "He was so consumed by it that he neglected his marriage," Taraborrelli says. "It was a tough time for both of them, but they were determined to work it out."

After the fallout with Bergin, John and Carolyn vowed to rebuild their relationship. "They weren't ones to give up," Taraborrelli reflects. "John realized he needed to be more empathetic, and Carolyn was determined to make their marriage work. Her parents' divorce had left a lasting impact on her, and she swore never to let that happen to her own family."

A Final Effort

John and Carolyn sought couples counseling and were making strides toward healing. Her decision to attend Rory's wedding may have been a gesture of compromise. "They were actively working on their relationship," Taraborrelli says. "It's a tragic end to a story that could have been so different."

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