30+ John F. Kennedy Jr. Photos - Best Pictures of JFK Jr
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John F. Kennedy, Jr.'s Life in Photos

Next summer marks 25th anniversary of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's death. Here, revisit the life of America's golden son.

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John F. Kennedy, Jr. was born into American royalty—and throughout his life, he remained the public's golden son. From the early photos of toddler-aged John-John playing around in the Oval Office, to the paparazzi shots of a strapping John and Carolyn Bessette falling in love, the press would never lose its interest in the late president's son. Then, in the summer of 1999, John's years were cut short in a plane crash that killed him, Carolyn, and Carolyn's sister Lauren. Nearly 25 years after that fateful day, here's a look back at John F. Kennedy, Jr.'s 38 years, as seen through 30 iconic photographs.

December 10, 1960

john f kennedy jr jackie kennedy onassis
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Jackie Kennedy poses with her newborn son, John F. Kennedy, Jr., who arrived soon after her husband was elected president.

May 25, 1962

John F. Kennedy Jr. Exploring His Father's Desk
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A young John hangs out in the Oval Office.

October 1, 1963

Young John Jr. patiently waiting the helicopter landing and arrival of his father, American President John F. Kennedy.
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A toddler-aged JFK Jr. waits for his father's helicopter to land.

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November 25, 1963

John F. Kennedy Jr. Saluting His Father's Casket
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On his third birthday, John F. Kennedy Jr. salutes his father's casket, as it's carried carried from St. Matthew's Cathedral in Washington, D.C.

May 13, 1965

John F. Kennedy Jr. (1960 - 1999) (right), the son of Jackie Kennedy and the late American president walking in Green Park, London with his cousins Anthony and Tina (behind), the children of Jackie's sister Lee Radziwill
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John (right) hangs out with his cousins, Anthony (left) and Tina (behind), in London.

January 1, 1969

John F. Kennedy Jr. Sighting in New York City - January 1, 1969
Ron Galella//Getty Images

The press spotted JFK Jr., spending time in New York.

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Circa 1970

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and John F. Kennedy; Jr.
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Jackie Kennedy-Onassis and John F. Kennedy, Jr. leave the Metropolitan Museum of Art together.

November 5, 1973

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis And Son
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Jackie and John spend quality time together, on a holiday in the Camargue region of southern France,.

August 27, 1976

john f kennedy jr  Pro-Celebrity Tennis Tournament Party
Ron Galella//Getty Images

John F. Kennedy Jr. (right) hangs out with Anthony Radziwill at the Rainbow Room.

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Circa 1976

John F Kennedy Jr...
Images Press//Getty Images

John tries out the sharktooth necklace trend.

Circa 1970s

John F. Kennedy Jr.
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John strolls through the city, carrying a paperback book in one hand.

June 7, 1979

John F. Kennedy Jr's Graduation
Ron Galella//Getty Images

JFK Jr. is spotted at the time of his high school graduation.

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August 31, 1980

Kennedy Family Labor Day Weekend
Ron Galella//Getty Images

John F. Kennedy, Jr. joking points at the camera, during one of the Kennedy family's Labor Day vacations in Massachusetts.

Circa 1983

john f kennedy jr
The LIFE Images Collection//Getty Images

JFK Jr. celebrates his college graduation from Brown University, lying on the grass in his robe.

July 18, 1986

John F. Kennedy Jr. Swimming in Ocean
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John enjoys some time in the water in Hyannisport, Massachusetts.

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May 19, 1989

John F. Kennedy Jr. at Graduation
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John F. Kennedy, Jr. graduations from New York University Law School. Famously, it took him three tries to pass the bar exam.

August 22, 1989

John Kennedy Jr., first day as Assitant District Attorney as
New York Daily News Archive//Getty Images

On his first day as an Assistant District Attorney, John waits for train at New York's City Hall station.

October 1, 1993

John F. Kennedy Jr. & actress / girlfriend Daryl Hannah on their way to wedding of his cousin Ted Kennedy Jr. to Kiki Gershman
Brian Quigley//Getty Images

JFK Jr. and his then-girlfriend, actress Daryl Hannah, head to see Ted Kennedy, Jr. marry Kiki Gershman.

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Circa 1993

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and her children John F. Kennedy Jr. and Caroline Kennedy.
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Jackie Kennedy-Onassis sits alongside her children, John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Caroline Kennedy.

September 7, 1995

john f kennedy jr Press Conference For New Magazine "George"
Ron Galella//Getty Images

JFK Jr. unveils the inaugural cover of George magazine, during a press conference in New York's Federal Hall.

Headshot of Chloe Foussianes
Chloe Foussianes
News Writer

Chloe is a News Writer for Townandcountrymag.com, where she covers royal news, from the latest additions to Meghan Markle’s staff to Queen Elizabeth’s monochrome fashions; she also writes about culture, often dissecting TV shows like The Marvelous Mrs Maisel and Killing Eve.

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