Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: A Life in the Shadows of Fame and Grief

John F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, were facing challenges in their marriage but were determined to work through them, according to historian Steven M. Gillon and author Elizabeth Beller. Bessette-Kennedy, a former Calvin Klein publicist, struggled with the constant media scrutiny and considered pursuing other career options and exploring documentary filmmaking.

On a fateful day in July 1999, a plane piloted by John F. Kennedy Jr. crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, claiming the lives of the 38-year-old, his wife Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and her sister, Lauren Bessette. The tragedy sent shockwaves through the nation, as the couple had captivated the hearts and imaginations of Americans.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: A Life in the Shadows of Fame and Grief

Behind the glamorous façade of their celebrity status, John and Carolyn faced challenges in their marriage. On July 16, 1999, a single-engine private plane Kennedy Jr. was piloting from New Jersey to Martha's Vineyard crashed into the Atlantic Ocean. Killed with the 38-year-old were his wife, 33, and her sister, Lauren Bessette, 34.

"Several sources corroborated that they were in marriage counseling," author Elizabeth Beller told Fox News Digital. "I see it as a positive that they were taking meaningful steps to work on their issues. And I do believe things were getting better."

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: A Life in the Shadows of Fame and Grief

Beller's book, "Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy," explores the couple's relationship and the challenges they faced. She interviewed numerous sources close to the pair and pieced together a portrait of a woman who was both admired and misunderstood.

"In 1999, there were ebbs and flows in their marriage," Beller explained. "[Their pal] Carole Radziwill said they looked happy and in love. Many other friends said the same thing. But it was a very tense time for them. John’s best friend and cousin, Anthony Radziwill, was very ill [with cancer]. John and Carolyn were very concerned about him. And there was also all that outside pressure."

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: A Life in the Shadows of Fame and Grief

Carolyn, once an ambitious and driven publicist, found herself struggling with the relentless media attention. "She was suddenly overwhelmed by the press scrutiny," Beller said. "I think it was debilitating for her and I think it sent her into a depression."

Amidst the turmoil, John and Carolyn grappled with their future. John was considering a career in politics, a path that would have placed even more scrutiny on their relationship. Carolyn, on the other hand, was contemplating a change of direction, exploring documentary filmmaking and considering other options that would allow her to express her creativity.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: A Life in the Shadows of Fame and Grief

"Carolyn got frightened and retreated," said Beller. "Unfortunately, that painted a more negative narrative in the press. She was depicted as icy and cold. But for many of her friends, she was anything but. She was a good friend to those who knew her."

John remained steadfast in his support for his wife, trying to shield her from the relentless paparazzi and the public's prying eyes. "Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: A Life in the Shadows of Fame and Grief" provides a compassionate and nuanced perspective on the life and struggles of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: A Life in the Shadows of Fame and Grief

Despite the challenges they faced, friends of the couple described them as deeply in love and determined to overcome their difficulties together. The world will never know for sure what their future held, but their love for each other remained unwavering even in the face of adversity.