Caroline Kennedy, the sole surviving child of President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, has forged a high-profile career in law, education, and diplomacy. At age 67, she remains in the public eye, drawing both admiration and scrutiny for her unwavering commitment to public service and her willingness to speak candidly on family matters.
Tragedy and Triumph in the Kennedy Legacy
Born in New York City on Nov. 27, 1957, Kennedy entered the public arena at a young age. Five years later, her father was assassinated, and subsequent family tragedies led many to speak of a “Kennedy Curse.” Her uncle, Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1968, and her brother, John F. Kennedy Jr., died in a 1999 plane crash. Despite these painful events, Kennedy upheld her family’s reputation for service. She attended Concord Academy, earned a bachelor’s degree in American History and Literature from Harvard University, and graduated with a law degree from Columbia Law School in 1988.
Kennedy dabbled in museum work and photojournalism before shifting to law and public advocacy. For a symbolic salary of about $1 per week, she served as Director of the Office of Strategic Partnerships at the New York City Department of Education. Although she could have pursued more profitable opportunities, she chose to devote her efforts to civic engagement, mirroring the legacy of her parents.
Rising Diplomat and Critic of RFK Jr.
Kennedy emerged on the national political stage in 2008 by endorsing Barack Obama’s presidential bid. She later co-chaired his Vice Presidential Search Committee. In 2013, Obama named her U.S. ambassador to Japan, marking a milestone as she became the first woman to hold that position. During her tenure, she nurtured U.S.-Japan relations, participated in ceremonies commemorating atomic bomb victims, and christened the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier.
President Joe Biden subsequently appointed Kennedy as ambassador to Australia in 2021. She focused on issues such as climate change and Pacific Island concerns and reinforced ties through the AUKUS alliance. She concluded her ambassadorship in 2024 following Donald Trump’s presidential election victory.
Kennedy’s personal life includes her marriage to Edwin Schlossberg, with whom she has three adult children. They each cultivate unique careers, from journalism to law. Meanwhile, Kennedy’s literary pursuits include co-authoring books on privacy and human rights, as well as editing collections of her mother’s favorite poems.
Her net worth, estimated at $250 million, originates from an inheritance that includes a 375-acre property on Martha’s Vineyard. Kennedy has not evaded public attention, particularly when she recently spoke out against her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., calling him a “predator” and denouncing his stance on vaccinations as harmful and self-serving. Her criticism of his public health views, reported by USA Today, amplified existing tensions within the famous political family.
Despite controversies, Caroline Kennedy remains a significant figure in American life. Her résumé of diplomatic roles, advocacy for education, and dedication to charity attest to her determination to uphold the Kennedy tradition of public service. Only time will reveal how she continues to shape her legacy, both within her storied family and beyond.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.