The allure of the Kennedy family continues to captivate, and the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and actress Daryl Hannah remains a topic of fascination. A new CNN documentary, ‘American Prince,’ delves into this complicated romance, revealing insights from family and friends. One key revelation is Jackie Kennedy’s concern over her son’s choice of partner. This article explores the dynamics of their relationship, Jackie’s reservations, and the impact of these factors on John Jr.’s life.
Jackie Kennedy’s influence on her son’s life was profound, and her opinions carried significant weight. Understanding her perspective provides a deeper understanding of the pressures and expectations surrounding John F. Kennedy Jr. This article will dissect the key moments of John and Daryl’s romance, the concerns voiced by Jackie, and the broader context of Kennedy family relationships.
Jackie Kennedy’s Concerns About Daryl Hannah
According to Kennedy biographer Dr. Joseph Ponterotto in ‘American Prince,’ Jackie Kennedy harbored reservations about John Jr.’s relationship with Daryl Hannah. The documentary highlights the sentiment that gaining Jackie’s approval was crucial for anyone seeking to be with John. This concern likely stemmed from Jackie’s desire to protect her son from the intense media scrutiny and potential pitfalls associated with dating a high-profile celebrity.
Friends and family suggest Jackie worried about the differences in background and lifestyle between John and Daryl. Jackie, a symbol of elegance and sophistication, may have viewed Daryl, a free-spirited actress, as an unconventional match for her son. These concerns reflect Jackie’s protective nature and her desire to maintain a certain image for the Kennedy family.
The Early Years of John and Daryl’s Romance
John F. Kennedy Jr. and Daryl Hannah reportedly met in the early 1980s in Saint Martin, but their highly publicized romance began in 1988. Their relationship was characterized by its tumultuous nature and the constant glare of the media. Despite the challenges, they remained together for five years, navigating the pressures of fame and public expectation.
Carole Radziwill, who was married to John Jr.’s cousin Anthony Radziwill, shared insights into their relationship in ‘American Prince,’ describing it as a “pretty long relationship.” This period marked a significant chapter in John’s life, as he balanced his personal life with the immense responsibilities and scrutiny that came with being a Kennedy.
The Arrival of Carolyn Bessette
During one of his breakups with Daryl Hannah in the early 1990s, John Jr. began seeing Carolyn Bessette, who would later become his wife. However, he attempted to reconcile with Hannah when she moved back to New York, feeling he owed it to her to see if their relationship could work. This reflects the complexity of his feelings and the sense of obligation he felt towards those he cared about.
Carole Radziwill recalled John saying he felt he owed it to Daryl to try again since they were both living on the same coast. Radziwill stated, “I’m sure he loved Daryl. They stayed together for a couple of years until his mother got sick.” This highlights the significant role Jackie’s health played in the dynamics of John’s relationships.
Jackie’s Illness and Its Impact
Jackie Kennedy’s diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in December 1993 marked a turning point. Although initially her prognosis seemed positive, the cancer spread rapidly. By March, it had affected her spinal cord, brain, and liver. Jackie passed away in May 1994, around the same time John’s cousin Anthony faced a recurrence of testicular cancer. These events deeply impacted John Jr.’s life.
John Jr. briefly ended things with Carolyn Bessette to avoid media attention in the wake of his mother’s death. Close friend Steve Gillon explained in ‘American Prince’ that John felt he needed to maintain the pretense of still being with Daryl to protect his mother’s memory from being overshadowed by his personal life. This decision underscores the immense pressure John faced and the sacrifices he made to manage public perception.
Finding Freedom After Jackie’s Death
Carole Radziwill noted that after Jackie’s death, John Jr. felt more freedom to be himself without the weight of his mother’s expectations. She described it as an “emancipation,” suggesting that he felt liberated to make his own choices and pursue his own path. This newfound freedom allowed him to explore his relationship with Carolyn Bessette more openly.
Radziwill recalled, “John and Jackie, they were really close. He was heartbroken, and it was a very hard time for him, but there was almost, I would say, an emancipation [after Jackie’s death]. I think, for the first time, he felt free to do what he wanted to do in a way that he wouldn’t have when his mom was alive. A lot of good came out of that.”
The Final Years and Lasting Impact
John Jr. ultimately ended his relationship with Daryl Hannah in the mid-1990s and married Carolyn Bessette in September 1996. Tragically, John, Carolyn, and her sister Lauren Bessette died in a plane crash near Martha’s Vineyard in July 1999, cutting short their lives and leaving a lasting void. Daryl Hannah later married Neil Young in 2018, marking a new chapter in her life.
The story of John F. Kennedy Jr., Daryl Hannah, and Jackie Kennedy is a complex tapestry of love, expectation, and personal freedom. The CNN documentary ‘American Prince’ offers valuable insights into these dynamics, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of a family forever etched in American history.
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