Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, often referred to as Jackie Kennedy, was an American First Lady, socialite, and philanthropist who left an indelible mark on American history. Her net worth at the time of her death in 1994 was estimated to be $150 million, which is equivalent to around $270 million today. This article explores the details of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s earnings, wealth accumulation, and the historical context of her financial status, providing a comprehensive overview of her life and legacy.
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s Net Worth: An Overview
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s net worth of $150 million was accumulated through a combination of inheritance, marriage settlements, and her personal endeavors. As the widow of President John F. Kennedy and later the wife of Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, Jackie Kennedy’s financial journey is a fascinating blend of American political history and international wealth.
Early Life and Education
Jacqueline Lee Bouvier was born on July 28, 1929, in Southampton, New York. Her father, John Vernou “Black Jack” Bouvier, was a high-earning stockbroker on Wall Street who inherited wealth, but his gambling and drinking habits depleted the family fortune. Her mother, Janet Norton Lee, also came from a wealthy background. Despite financial ups and downs, Jackie and her sister Caroline (later known as Lee Radziwill) were raised in affluence.
Jackie attended the Chapin School in New York and graduated from Miss Porter’s School in Connecticut. She went on to study at Vassar College, the Sorbonne in Paris, and finally graduated from The George Washington University in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French literature. Her education and upbringing cultivated her sophisticated style and intellectual prowess, which would later captivate the American public.
Marriage to John F. Kennedy
Jacqueline Bouvier and John F. Kennedy met in 1952 and married on September 12, 1953, at St. Mary’s Church in Newport, Rhode Island. The couple honeymooned in Acapulco, Mexico, and soon became one of the most prominent and glamorous couples in American politics.
John F. Kennedy was elected President of the United States on November 8, 1960, making Jackie the First Lady at the age of 31, one of the youngest First Ladies in history. During her tenure, she was renowned for her fashion sense, her efforts to restore the White House, and her grace in the public eye. Jackie gave birth to Caroline Kennedy in 1957 and John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1960. Tragically, she lost a son, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, who was born prematurely and died shortly after birth in 1963.
The assassination of John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, was a defining moment in Jackie’s life. She became a symbol of strength and dignity, guiding the nation through its grief while managing her own profound loss.
Financial Security and Inheritance
Following JFK’s assassination, Jackie became the beneficiary of a Kennedy family trust, providing her with an annual income of approximately $200,000, equivalent to around $1.7 million today. This trust ensured her financial stability but stipulated that the income would transfer to her children if she remarried.
Marriage to Aristotle Onassis
On October 20, 1968, Jacqueline married Aristotle Onassis, one of the wealthiest men in the world, owning the largest shipping fleet and possessing a fortune estimated at $500 million (around $4 billion today). To protect her financial interests and maintain her Kennedy trust income, Jackie negotiated a prenuptial agreement that included a $3 million payment from Onassis before their marriage and a lifetime trust providing $150,000 annually.
During their marriage, Onassis lavished Jackie with extravagant gifts, including a 40-carat diamond ring for her 40th birthday. The couple maintained multiple residences, including a 15-room apartment on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, an apartment in Paris, and the private Greek island of Skorpios.
The marriage began to deteriorate in 1973 when Onassis was diagnosed with a fatal illness. Concerned about Jackie’s potential claim to his estate, Onassis reportedly lobbied for changes in Greek law to limit the inheritance rights of foreign spouses. After Onassis’s death on March 15, 1975, Jackie settled her claims against his estate for a lump sum of $26 million, equivalent to around $120 million today.
Later Life and Legacy
After Onassis’s death, Jackie returned to the United States and worked as an editor at Viking Press and later at Doubleday. She continued to influence American culture through her work in publishing, her involvement in historic preservation, and her public presence.
In 1994, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She passed away in her sleep on May 19, 1994, at her home in New York City.
Estate and Philanthropy
Jackie’s will reflected her belief that her children, Caroline and John Jr., were already well provided for through Kennedy family trusts. She left each of them a relatively modest $250,000. They also inherited several properties, including the 15-room apartment in New York City and a home on Martha’s Vineyard. In 2003, after John Jr.’s tragic death in a plane crash, Caroline sold the NYC apartment for $30 million.
Jackie also established the C&J Foundation, named after her children, to benefit various charitable causes. In 1996, an auction of her personal possessions raised $34.5 million, with the highest-priced item being her engagement ring from Aristotle Onassis, sold for $2.6 million.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Wealth and Influence
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s net worth of $150 million at the time of her death was a testament to her remarkable life. From her early days as a Bouvier, through her iconic role as First Lady, to her marriage to one of the world’s wealthiest men, Jackie’s financial journey reflects a blend of inherited wealth, strategic marriages, and personal accomplishments.
Her legacy continues to inspire, offering valuable insights into the intersections of wealth, politics, and cultural influence. As a symbol of elegance and resilience, Jackie Kennedy Onassis remains a significant figure in American history, her life story a testament to her enduring impact on society and her family’s enduring legacy.
