Jackie Kennedy rose to fame for her status as the First Lady and her impressive fashion sense. However, her marriage to Greek magnate Aristotle Onassis was submerged in controversy.
Jackie Kennedy is undoubtedly one of the most popular women in history. She rose to fame for her marriage to late President John F. Kennedy and was beloved by people for her love for the country and her impeccable fashion sense.
Unfortunately, her marriage with Kennedy ended when the former world leader was tragically assassinated in 1963. Five years after his death, Jackie remarried Greek magnate Aristotle Onassis.
Aristotle Onassis and Jackie Kennedy on October 18, 1968 | Photo: Getty Images
THE JOURNEY TO BECOMING MRS ONASSIS
Jackie’s marriage to Onassis was one that took the world by surprise, including the former first lady herself. According to reports, the duo crossed paths while she was still married to the former president.
After losing her third child, Jackie was depressed and was invited by her younger sister Lee Radziwill on a trip with the tycoon. At the time, Onassis was having an affair with Lee. While JFK was opposed to it, he believed it’d help Jackie return to herself.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in New York Harbor as she returns to the Big Apple from Staten Island on July 31, 1976 | Photo: Getty Images
After returning from the trip, Jackie was met with tragedy when JFK was assassinated. Amid dealing with the grief, she relied on her brother-in-law Robert Kennedy. Unfortunately, Robert was killed shortly after. According to author Paul Brandus:
"She feared for her life and feared for her children. Onassis offered security. He had Skorpios, his own island in Greece...He could give her anything.”
Jacqueline Kennedy stands with her husband, President John F. Kennedy in the door of the White House on January 01, 1960 | Photo: Getty Images
THE LAVISH WEDDING
Four months after Robert’s death, Jackie and Onassis’ relationship was confirmed. Many believed she married the mogul for his money, but sources close to her claim that the socialite was lonely and scared for her children.
[Jackie] reportedly spent $1.25 million, equivalent to $9 million today, on just clothes.
On October 20, 1968, Onassis and Jackie tied the knot in a lavish ceremony on the private island of Skorpios. The former first lady stunned in an ivory Valentino lace gown that featured a mock, a pleated skirt, and long bishop sleeves.
Onassis had proposed with 40-carat Marquise cut Lesotho III diamond ring, which was reportedly auctioned for $2.59 million in 1996. The intimate ceremony had only 40 guests, including Jackie’s kids, John and Carole, who held candles.
Jacqueline Kennedy at her Georgetown home in August 1960. | Photo: Getty Images
THE $30,000 ALLOWANCE CONTROVERSY
After her wedding to the millionaire, Jackie’s love for expensive and exquisite items increased, making the shipping magnate worried about her spending habits. She reportedly spent $1.25 million, the equivalent to $9 million today, on just clothes.
Onassis decided to give her $30,000 monthly allowance, but that wasn’t enough for Jackie, so she found a way to circumvent it. She reportedly purchased couture pieces, wore them once or twice, and resold them to consignment shops.
Jacqueline Kennedy as she sits in an armchair at home in Hyannisport, Massachusetts, 1960. | Photo: Getty Images.
After Onassis died in 1975, he left $26 million for Jackie, with the rest of his $500 million wealth bequeathed to his only daughter Christina.
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