MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
MarieClaire
  • News
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Career
  • Bridal
  • Gifts
  • The Edit
  • Discount Codes
Subscribe
  1. Home
  2. Lifestyle

Jackie Kennedy's Love Letter To JFK Offers A Rare Glimpse Into Their Marriage

The handwritten note is up for auction - by Grace Back
  • 29 Jul 2019
Jackie Kennedy's Love Letter To JFK Offers A Rare Glimpse Into Their Marriage

John F. Kennedy and Jackie Onassis had one of history's most complicated marriages, and this week a love letter from the former First Lady to her husband offers a rare look inside their relationship. The three-page note, which was written in either 1957 or 1958 when Kennedy served a senator from Massachusetts, is heading to auction as part of a sale of Kennedy memorabilia from RR Auction.

"I can’t help it if when I go away from you I write stiff letters - it is hard for me to communicate - which you do so beautifully," Jackie writes at the beginning of the letter. "I know everyone says married couples should never separate - as you get off the same wavelength...but I think it is usually good when we go away from each other as we both realise so much." 

"We are so different," she continues. "But I was thinking this trip - that every other time I've been away, you would write 'don't ponder our relation too much' etc. - and now I don't as one doesn't ponder anything that is a part of you." 

RELATED: Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s Granddaughter Weds In Picture-Perfect Ceremony

jfk

RELATED: A Look Back At The Life Of Jackie Kennedy

Jackie is open with her husband about the fact that their marriage may not be what either of them expected. “You are an atypical husband - increasingly so in one way or another every year since we’ve been married - so you mustn’t be surprised to have an atypical wife. Each of us would have been so lonely with the normal kind. I can’t write down what I feel for you, but I will show you when I am with you."

She signs it, “All my love, Jackie.”

RR Auctions estimates that the letter will sell for upwards of $20,000. Read it in full on their website.

“[The letter is] pretty incredible because she was a prolific letter writer. We get lots of letters from her. We have her talking about the president. We’ve seen letters talking about the assassination or his character, but we’ve never had a letter from Jackie written to Jack,” Livingston told People of the piece. "She’s talking about their marriage and their relationship. It isn’t about visiting the in-laws or something. It is a love letter," Livingston said. "She loved him, and it shows there."

The auction is currently open for bidding and will close on November 7.

  • Lifestyle
  • Celebrity
Grace Back
Grace Back
Grace Back is a journalist and was formerly the Digital Culture Editor across ELLE and marie claire Australia. When not stuck in a seemingly endless Instagram scroll, you'll find Grace with her head in a good book.

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Subscribe to marie claire

Subscribe Now
Subscribe to Marie Claire

Recommended to you

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows
Watch 4:43

MAFS' Aleks and Ivan exchange wedding vows

{headline}

{headline}

6 Online Dating Alternatives To Tinder For Every Personality

6 Online Dating Alternatives To Tinder For Every Personality

Little Acts Of Love To Show Your Partner This Valentine’s Day

Little Acts Of Love To Show Your Partner This Valentine’s Day

How To Create The Most Romantic Dinner Date Night At Home

How To Create The Most Romantic Dinner Date Night At Home

JFK's Daughter Caroline Kennedy Will Be Australia's US Ambassador—There's An Important Reason Why

JFK's Daughter Caroline Kennedy Will Be Australia's US Ambassador—There's An Important Reason Why

{headline}

{headline}

Lockdown Has Made Dating Daunting In An Unexpected Way

Lockdown Has Made Dating Daunting In An Unexpected Way

Three Duos Open Up About Making A Relationship Work Despite Opposing Views

Three Duos Open Up About Making A Relationship Work Despite Opposing Views

“The One” Doesn’t Exist

“The One” Doesn’t Exist

{headline}

{headline}

Meet the Single Mothers Who Are Redefining Solo Parenthood

Meet the Single Mothers Who Are Redefining Solo Parenthood

Sex, Revisited: Are We Simply Romantically Challenged, Or Are We Sluts?

Sex, Revisited: Are We Simply Romantically Challenged, Or Are We Sluts?

‘I Let The Stars Dictate My Life For A Week And This Is What Happened’

‘I Let The Stars Dictate My Life For A Week And This Is What Happened’

No Relationship Is Perfect, So Why Does My Instagram Feed Say Otherwise?

No Relationship Is Perfect, So Why Does My Instagram Feed Say Otherwise?

All You Need Is Love: 11 People Share Their Stories of Devotion

All You Need Is Love: 11 People Share Their Stories of Devotion

This Queer Family Will Make Even the Harshest Cynic Believe In Love

This Queer Family Will Make Even the Harshest Cynic Believe In Love

Celebrities Who Made The First Move

Celebrities Who Made The First Move

MarieClaire
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
MarieClaire Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • Home Beautiful
  • Elle
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • beautyheaven
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • Practical Parenting
  • All Recipes
  • Perth Now
  • The West Australian
  • 7Plus
  • 7mate
  • 7NEWS
  • 7Sport
  • Sunrise
  • Starts at 60
  • Hard to Find
© 2022 Are Media PTY LTD
All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts.If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Get more from Marie Claire

Magazine Subscription Offer

Subscribe to Marie Claire-+ save!

Shop This Offer
Subscribe to Marie Claire