In 1996, a humorous Christmas gift exchange unfolded between Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., and Lee Radziwill, sister of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Carolyn’s aunt by marriage. The exchange highlighted the complex dynamic between the two women. Carolyn presented Lee with a luxurious Hermès blanket, a gift befitting their social circles. However, Lee’s reciprocal gift was a surprising one: a collection of drugstore hair accessories.
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RoseMarie Terenzio, John F. Kennedy Jr.’s personal assistant and a close friend of the couple, recounted the incident during a recent book party for JFK JR: An Intimate Oral Biography. According to Terenzio, Lee’s gift consisted of “plastic Goody hair clips and scrunchies from the drug store,” a stark contrast to Carolyn’s extravagant present.
This amusing anecdote sheds light on the underlying tension stemming from John’s decision to exclude Lee from his and Carolyn’s highly secretive wedding earlier that year. Terenzio speculated that John omitted Lee due to concerns about her potentially jeopardizing the wedding’s privacy. “I think part of the reason why John didn’t invite Lee to the wedding was because he knew she would not abide by their wishes to keep it quiet,” Terenzio explained.
Carolyn, however, reportedly questioned John’s decision, arguing, “How could you not invite your mom’s sister?” This difference of opinion created a delicate situation between the two women.
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The Christmas gift exchange seemed to underscore this tension. While Carolyn’s Hermès blanket likely cost thousands of dollars, Lee’s drugstore hair accessories were a much more modest offering. Terenzio revealed that the inexpensive items were “all in a box and beautifully wrapped,” suggesting a deliberate gesture on Lee’s part.
Carolyn, however, found the humor in the situation. She reportedly saw Lee’s gift as a bold statement, interpreting it as a “F— you for not inviting me to your wedding.” Despite the apparent slight, Carolyn ultimately admired Lee’s audacity and considered her a “badass.” The incident ultimately became a funny story in the complicated relationship between the Kennedy family members.
