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White Plains Today
By the People, for the People
The Forgotten Sister: Remembering Lauren Bessette, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's Overlooked Sibling
Lauren Bessette's life and legacy deserve more recognition beyond the shadow of her famous sister and brother-in-law.
Mar. 27, 2026 at 8:04pm
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In the FX drama 'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy,' the life and death of Lauren Bessette, Carolyn's younger sister, is often overshadowed. However, those who knew Lauren remember her as a brilliant, accomplished professional with a warm, down-to-earth personality - qualities that made her similar to her sister Carolyn, yet distinctly her own person. As the third victim of the 1999 plane crash that killed the three, Lauren's story is one worth telling in its own right.
Why it matters
Lauren Bessette's story is a poignant reminder that even in high-profile tragedies, the lives of lesser-known individuals can be easily overlooked or forgotten. Her accomplishments and vibrant personality deserve recognition, rather than being relegated to the background as the 'third victim.' Examining Lauren's life provides a more complete picture of the Bessette family and the profound loss they experienced.
The details
Lauren Bessette graduated from Hobart and William Smith College in 1986 and earned her MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1991. She went on to have a successful career at Morgan Stanley, being promoted to principal in the investment banking division in 1998. Friends and colleagues described Lauren as brilliant, driven, and possessing a dry sense of humor, as well as a generous spirit. She was deeply close with her sisters Carolyn and Lisa, and enjoyed an active social life in New York City, attending the ballet, opera, and charity events.
- Lauren Bessette was born on November 5, 1964 in White Plains, New York.
- She graduated from Hobart and William Smith College in 1986.
- Lauren earned her MBA from the Wharton School in 1991.
- In December 1998, Lauren was promoted to principal at Morgan Stanley.
- On July 16, 1999, Lauren, her sister Carolyn, and brother-in-law John F. Kennedy Jr. were killed in a plane crash over the Atlantic Ocean.
The players
Lauren Bessette
The younger sister of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, Lauren was a brilliant and accomplished financial professional who worked at Morgan Stanley, rising to the level of principal in the investment banking division.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy
The wife of John F. Kennedy Jr. and the older sister of Lauren Bessette, Carolyn gained significant media attention due to her high-profile marriage.
John F. Kennedy Jr.
The son of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, John was married to Carolyn Bessette and died alongside her and her sister Lauren in a 1999 plane crash.
RoseMarie Terenzio
John F. Kennedy Jr.'s executive assistant from 1994 until his death in 1996, who was close friends with both Carolyn and Lauren Bessette.
Liz McNeil
The co-author of the 2024 book 'JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral Biography,' who wishes Lauren Bessette's story was given more attention.
What they’re saying
“I wish that she was just treated as the full person that she was. She was her own person with a full life, and so accomplished.”
— Liz McNeil, Co-author, 'JFK Jr.: An Intimate Oral Biography'
“Lauren was so down to earth and so cool, but she was also very like, 'Oh give me a break, Carolyn.' 'Stop. You're being dramatic.' She would give her shit all the time.”
— RoseMarie Terenzio, John F. Kennedy Jr.'s executive assistant
“If the events of these past eight days have taught us anything, it is to honor the moment. Cherish those around you. Try to find a balance between work and family. Contribute something to your community, and above all share the love you feel for each other each and every day.”
— Jack Messina, Lauren Bessette's uncle
The takeaway
The tragic loss of Lauren Bessette, along with her sister Carolyn and brother-in-law John F. Kennedy Jr., serves as a poignant reminder that even in high-profile tragedies, the lives and legacies of lesser-known individuals can be easily overlooked. Lauren's story deserves to be told and remembered, not just as the 'third victim,' but as a vibrant, accomplished person in her own right.
