She Was a Force of Nature
She Brought the Arts to the White House
Before her husband ever set foot in the White House, Jackie vowed to not only redecorate the private and public rooms of the presidential residence, but also to bring more works of art into their quarters. Thanks to her dedication, numerous committees and positions were established to help fundraise for, secure and care for permanent works of art that would grace the White House walls.
She Befriended World Leaders
Seen here in 1962 with Pakistan President Ayub Khan, Jackie Kennedy counted many world leaders as friends. From Queen Frederica of Greece to Ireland's President Eamon de Valera, world leaders were people Jackie was at ease around, and she managed to win their favor with her intellect and charm.
She Was Fluent in Four Languages
Thanks to her education, Jackie Kennedy was fluent in English, Spanish, Italian and French. Not only could the first lady speak conversationally in all four languages, but she was able to write in them, as well. Due to her linguistic strengths, she often helped translate foreign books for her husband and even accompanied him on the campaign trail where she famously translated his speeches for non-English-speaking constituents.
She Was a Bold Speaker
Not only did Jackie Kennedy campaign on her husband's behalf, she was also a charming speaker throughout her husband's presidency. Whether she was thanking the members of Brigade 2506 —men who bravely risked their lives in the Bay of Pigs Invasion—in Spanish or dazzling French political leaders during her husband's 1961 visit to France, for which he famously said, "I am the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to Paris," she proved herself a talented orator.
She Had a Career Before Marriage
When Jackie Kennedy was born in 1929, it wasn't as socially acceptable for women to have careers. By the time she completed college in 1951, Jackie landed a job in a predominately male field as a photographer and interviewer for the Washington Times-Herald. During her reporting career, Jackie interviewed famous people including Richard Nixon and covered major historical events like President Dwight D. Eisenhower's inauguration and Queen Elizabeth II's coronation.
She Had a Serious Eye for Style
Physical beauty is the lottery of birth, but beautiful style is a cultivated talent that Jackie Kennedy had in excess. Her unique fashion sense started trends around the world, from her famous pillbox hats to her fitted suit dresses, but her style wasn't limited to clothes. The former first lady even channeled her talent into decorating the White House after renovating many of the rooms.
