Jackie’s Fragrance Is Still Alive
(By Prof. S. S. Dogra)
Some personalities leave an indelible imprint not merely because of the positions they hold but because of the courage, dignity and resilience they display in the face of adversity. Jackie Kennedy Onassis: Woman of Courage, authored by Catherine Corley Anderson, is a touching and inspiring biography that celebrates the extraordinary life of one of the most admired First Ladies in American history. More than a political spouse, Jackie Kennedy emerged as a global symbol of elegance, strength and unwavering composure during one of the most turbulent periods in American history.
The biography opens with a heartfelt tribute by former U.S. President Bill Clinton, who aptly describes Jackie Kennedy Onassis as “a model of courage and dignity for all Americans and the entire world.” In his epilogue, Clinton further observes that she captivated the world with her intelligence, elegance and grace, and that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, she carried both her family’s grief and the nation’s sorrow with remarkable calm. These words immediately introduce readers to the extraordinary woman whose inspiring life unfolds throughout the book.
Catherine Corley Anderson, acclaimed for her earlier work John F. Kennedy: Young People’s President, presents Jackie’s remarkable journey in a lucid, engaging and chronological manner. Published by Learner Publications Company, USA, in 1995, this compact 88-page biography is enriched with memorable photographs that enhance the reading experience.
The book is divided into six well-organized chapters—Young Days, Coming of Age, Georgetown, Politics, Parties, A Long Night and a New Life, Fateful Journey and Aftermath. Through these chapters, Anderson traces Jackie’s transformation from Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, born on July 28, 1929, in Southampton, New York, into one of the most admired women of the twentieth century.
The narrative begins with her childhood, emphasizing the discipline, refinement and values that shaped her personality. Jackie shared a particularly close bond with her father, and at the age of eleven, she was deeply affected by her parents’ divorce. One of the book’s most memorable moments recounts her mother’s advice while teaching her horse riding: “Never fall off a horse, but if you do, get up and get right back on again.” This simple lesson became the guiding philosophy of Jackie’s life, as she repeatedly demonstrated remarkable resilience in overcoming personal and public hardships.
The biography also reveals several lesser-known aspects of her personality. Jackie was an animal lover, an accomplished painter, and a gifted writer. She spoke Spanish, French, and Italian fluently and worked as an inquiring reporter for the Washington Times-Herald. Her literary talent earned her Vogue magazine’s 16th Annual Prix de Paris competition for college seniors, reflecting her intellectual brilliance long before entering public life.
A turning point came on May 8, 1951, when Jackie first met Congressman John F. Kennedy at a dinner party. Interestingly, she was not initially impressed by him. In the spring of 1953, she travelled to London to report on the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II for the Times-Herald. During her assignment, John Kennedy sent her a memorable telegram that simply read: “ARTICLE EXCELLENT, BUT YOU ARE MISSED.” The heartfelt message was followed by his marriage proposal, and the couple married on September 12, 1953. The book also portrays Jackie as a devoted wife and a loving mother to their son and daughter.
One of the biography’s most moving episodes concerns John F. Kennedy’s prolonged illness in 1954. Confined to a hospital bed after back surgery, he decided to write Profiles in Courage, an account of eight senators who risked their political careers for justice and principle. Jackie became his unwavering partner throughout the project. She spent every day at his bedside, gathered research materials, took dictation, and typed the manuscript, while legislative aide Ted Sorensen also assisted with research. Upon publication, the book became an immediate bestseller and later received the 1956 Pulitzer Prize for Biography. Kennedy gratefully dedicated the book to his wife, acknowledging that he could never adequately repay her support during his recovery. This episode beautifully illustrates Jackie’s quiet strength and indispensable contribution to one of America’s most celebrated political books.
During the 1959–1960 presidential campaign, Jackie played a vital role in her husband’s election efforts. She also wrote a newspaper column titled “Campaign Wife.” On January 20, 1961, when John F. Kennedy took the oath as the 35th President of the United States, Jackie became one of the youngest and most admired First Ladies in American history.
As First Lady, Jackie transformed the White House into a vibrant centre of history, art, and culture. She championed historic preservation, encouraged artistic excellence, and redefined the ceremonial and cultural responsibilities of the First Lady. Her elegance, diplomacy and refined taste earned worldwide admiration. In 1962, she undertook a goodwill visit to India, where she met Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, strengthening cultural ties between India and the United States.
The darkest chapter of the biography recounts the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, followed by the assassination of his brother Robert Kennedy in 1968. These devastating tragedies left Jackie emotionally shattered. Seeking security and privacy for her children, she married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis on October 20, 1968. After his death in 1975, Jackie returned to professional life, working in the editorial department of Viking Press. She later found companionship in Maurice Tempelsman, a noted diamond merchant and patron of the arts.
In 1994, Jackie was diagnosed with cancer. She passed away peacefully on May 19, 1994, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire millions. As the reviewer aptly observes, Jackie’s physical presence may have departed, but her fragrance of courage, grace, compassion, and dignity continues to enrich the world.
For readers interested in history, leadership, women’s studies, journalism, and inspiring life stories, this biography is highly recommended. Catherine Corley Anderson has crafted a memorable portrait of an extraordinary woman whose influence continues to transcend generations. Jackie Kennedy Onassis remains not only an enduring symbol of elegance but also a timeless example of courage, compassion and quiet strength—qualities whose fragrance will remain alive for generations to come.
(Prof.S.S.Dogra-is a Sr.Journalist & Author of many Influencial Books)
