Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Jacqueline Lee Kennedy Onassis, born on July 28, 1929, was a transformative figure in American history, serving as the First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963. Known affectionately as Jackie Kennedy and later Jackie O, she redefined the role of First Lady through her commitment to cultural and intellectual pursuits, her efforts in restoring the White House, and her iconic fashion sense, famously dubbed the 'Jackie Look.'

After earning a Bachelor of Arts in French literature from George Washington University in 1951, Jacqueline began her career as an inquiring photographer for the Washington Times-Herald. It was during this time that she met John F. Kennedy, a congressman from Massachusetts, at a dinner party. The couple married on September 12, 1953, and welcomed four children, though two tragically passed away in infancy.

As First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy became a symbol of grace and sophistication, known for her dedication to the arts and her fluency in multiple languages, which endeared her to international audiences. In 1962, she was honored as Time magazine's Woman of the Year, a testament to her influence and popularity.

Following the assassination of her husband in 1963, Jacqueline withdrew from public life for a time. In 1968, she married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, a union that sparked controversy. After Onassis's death in 1975, she returned to the workforce as a book editor in New York City, striving to restore her public image. Even after her passing in 1994, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis remains one of the most admired First Ladies in American history, consistently ranking high in surveys of historians.