35 of Jackie Kennedy Onassis's Most Memorable Moments

A beacon of style and grace—not just in the United States, but around the world—Jackie Kennedy Onassis, the wife of President John F. Kennedy and later known as Jackie O., has undoubtedly been one of the foremost influences on American style in the last century. She was born into a privileged existence in Southampton, New York, in 1929, and studied French, horseback riding, history, and the arts while growing up between New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia before studying at Vassar College. After spending her junior year abroad in Paris, Jackie fell in love with France and the European lifestyle, which would in turn be a great influence on her personal style and way of carrying herself.

After finishing her education at George Washington University, Jackie took her first job at the Washington Times-Herald, and soon after, met her future husband, John F. Kennedy, at a dinner party. After marrying in 1953 in Newport, Rhode Island, the young senator and his wife successfully campaigned for his election as president. After taking his oath of office in 1960, Jackie Kennedy, at the age of 31, became the youngest First Lady in 80 years. Her style, grace, and soft-spoken demeanor paved the way for her to dominate American newspapers, as well as television audiences. In February of 1962, after her redecoration and revival of the White House's public rooms—complete with historical pieces of art and furniture—Jackie gave a televised tour of the redone White House to a viewership of 56 million people.

After her husband's assassination in 1963, Jackie moved back to New York City with Caroline and John Jr. to try and resume a normal life. Eventually, in 1968, she married Aristotle Onassis, a Greek shipping magnate 28 years her senior and one of the wealthiest men in the world. Living between Paris, Greece, and New York, Jackie continued to be a style inspiration around the world. After Onassis's death, Jackie moved back to New York and returned to her love of journalism, working as an editor at Viking Press and Doubleday. In addition, she also worked to help preserve some historical New York landmarks and buildings before her untimely passing at 64 years old. Her grace and poise as she carried out her duty to her country, her patronage of the arts, and her unquestionably stylish way of living continue to inspire today.