Caroline Kennedy: From Tragedy to Diplomacy, A Legacy of Service

NEW YORK, N.Y. — Caroline Kennedy, the only surviving child of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, has spent her life navigating a legacy of privilege, tragedy, and unwavering dedication to public service. At 67, she remains a prominent figure in American politics and diplomacy, continuing to honor her family’s storied history while forging her own path.

Born on Nov. 27, 1957, in New York City, Caroline was just five years old when her father was assassinated in Dallas on Nov. 22, 1963. The Kennedy family’s tragedies continued with the assassination of her uncle, Robert F. Kennedy, in 1968, and the death of her brother, John F. Kennedy Jr., in a plane crash in 1999. These events have often been referred to as the “Kennedy Curse.”

Despite these profound losses, Caroline inherited her family’s commitment to public service. Her mother, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, sought to shield her children from the relentless media spotlight, even relocating the family to Greece after marrying shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. Caroline eventually returned to the United States, where she pursued her education at Concord Academy in Massachusetts, Harvard University, and Columbia Law School, earning her JD in 1988.

Caroline’s career has been marked by a diverse range of roles. She worked as a research assistant at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and briefly considered photojournalism before transitioning to law and public service. Her passion for education led her to serve as the Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships for the New York City Department of Education, where she famously worked for a token salary of $1 a week.

Her political journey began in earnest with her endorsement of Barack Obama during his 2008 presidential campaign. She later co-chaired his Vice Presidential Search Committee and played a key role in his 2012 re-election campaign. In 2013, President Obama appointed her as the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, where she strengthened bilateral relations and attended commemorative ceremonies for atomic bomb victims. In 2021, President Joe Biden named her U.S. Ambassador to Australia, where she focused on climate change, Pacific Island support, and the AUKUS alliance.

Caroline married Edwin Schlossberg, a designer and artist, in 1986. The couple has three children: Rose, an actress and writer; Tatiana, a journalist focused on climate change; and Jack, a lawyer and active member of the JFK Library Foundation. Caroline is also a published author and editor, co-writing books on privacy law and human rights and editing collections of her mother’s favorite poems.

Her financial success is equally notable, with an estimated net worth of $250 million, derived from her work, inheritance, and properties, including the 375-acre Red Gate Farm in Martha's Vineyard. Despite her achievements, Caroline has not hesitated to voice strong opinions, recently criticizing her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for his controversial views on vaccinations, calling him a “predator” and denouncing his stance as harmful and self-serving.

From her diplomatic roles to her advocacy for education and healthcare, Caroline Kennedy continues to embody the Kennedy spirit of public service, ensuring her family’s legacy endures in the 21st century.