Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette Fact vs. Fiction

A new TV series explores the relationship between JFK Jr. and his wife Carolyn Bessette, separating fact from fiction.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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A new TV series, "Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette", explores the relationship between JFK Jr. and his wife Carolyn Bessette. The series depicts key moments in their relationship, including how they first met, their early dating life, and the challenges they faced. While the series takes some creative liberties, it also aims to separate fact from fiction by drawing on details from Elizabeth Beller's 2024 book "Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy" and other sources.

Why it matters

The relationship between JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette captivated the public's imagination, and this new TV series provides a deeper look into their lives together. By distinguishing fact from fiction, the series offers a more nuanced understanding of this iconic couple and the complexities of their high-profile romance.

The details

The series depicts several key moments in John and Carolyn's relationship, including how they first met at a Calvin Klein gala in 1992 and their early dating life. While the show takes some creative liberties, such as the timing of their first date and the involvement of Daryl Hannah's character, it also draws on details from Elizabeth Beller's book to provide a more accurate portrayal. For example, the series accurately shows that Carolyn was an influential fashion advisor to Calvin Klein's celebrity clients, and that she helped champion the rise of Kate Moss.

  • John and Carolyn first met at a Calvin Klein gala in the spring of 1992.
  • They began dating in the summer of 1992, but then cooled off for almost two years.
  • After the death of John's mother, Jacqueline Kennedy, in May 1994, John and Carolyn got back together for good.

The players

John F. Kennedy Jr.

The son of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy, who was known for his high-profile relationships and untimely death in a plane crash in 1999.

Carolyn Bessette

A fashion publicist who became known for her chic style and her marriage to John F. Kennedy Jr. in 1996, until their tragic deaths in a plane crash in 1999.

Calvin Klein

An American fashion designer who employed Carolyn Bessette as a fashion advisor and salesperson for his celebrity clientele in the 1990s.

Daryl Hannah

An American actress who was John F. Kennedy Jr.'s on-again, off-again girlfriend before he met and married Carolyn Bessette.

Jacqueline Kennedy

The former First Lady of the United States and the mother of John F. Kennedy Jr., who passed away from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1994.

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What they’re saying

“She would guide them through the collection, tell them what looked good on them, and advise them on how to put it all together.”

— Paul Wilmott, VP of public relations at Calvin Klein (New York Times)

“In reality, they were on again, off again, a little bit more than we had time to do in the show. But we needed to jump ahead, and we didn't feel like the audience wanted to see the stop and starts of their romance.”

— Brad Simpson, Executive producer (USA Today)

What’s next

The series is expected to continue exploring the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, including the events leading up to their tragic deaths in a plane crash in 1999.

The takeaway

This new TV series provides a more nuanced and accurate portrayal of the relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, separating fact from fiction and offering a deeper understanding of this iconic couple's lives together.