Jacqueline Kennedy's Iconic Pink Suit: A Symbol Of Tragedy And Resilience

In a single moment, history can change, and a life can be shattered. On November 22, 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy became a symbol not just of grace but of profound personal loss. Her iconic pink suit, worn on that fateful day, became intertwined with one of the most tragic events in American history—the assassination of her husband, President John F. Kennedy.

The Day of the Assassination

Despite being the first lady, Jacqueline Kennedy usually kept her distance from politics. Yet in 1963, while still recovering from the August death of prematurely born son Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, she agreed to join husband John F. Kennedy on a trip to Texas. Unfortunately, in Dallas on November 22, 1963, President Kennedy was shot while sitting next to Jackie, and the pink suit she was wearing became covered in her husband's blood. In the aftermath of the presidential assassination, Jackie refused to change her outfit for the rest of the day. This created a powerful and devastating image for the public while also reflecting her personal trauma.

Jackie's Immediate Response

On that tragic day, Jackie was seated next to her husband in an open-top limousine driving through Dallas. She looked eye-catching in a pink suit (though often described as Chanel, the suit was actually an authorized replica made in New York so Jackie wouldn't be criticized for shopping overseas). Then shots were fired. One hit her husband’s back and exited via his throat, while another tore through JFK's head. As Jackie grappled with what was happening, blood and gore seeped into her outfit.

In the chaos that followed, Jackie clutched her husband on the way to Parkland Memorial Hospital, trying to tend to his mangled head. Lyndon B. Johnson, who was vice president at the time, was in a separate vehicle in the same procession. He and his wife, Lady Bird, rushed to the hospital as well. Lady Bird later described her haunting memory of seeing Jackie lying over the President's body, a bundle of pink, resembling a drift of blossoms.

Facing the Unthinkable

Though the couple was separated as doctors tried to save JFK, Jackie quickly returned to her husband's side. She even kneeled on the blood-covered floor to pray. However, the severity of JFK's injuries meant that doctors soon stopped working on him. A priest offered last rites, and the time of death was marked as 1:00 p.m.

The Power of Imagery

Even when given the opportunity to change clothes, Jackie chose to remain in her blood-stained suit. As she later recounted, she questioned her decision to wash off the blood, feeling it should remain as a testament to the violence that had taken her husband. This decision to keep her outfit on was not just an act of defiance but a powerful statement about the tragedy that had unfolded.

Jackie's Message of Resilience

When Air Force One took off for Washington, D.C., Jackie sat near her husband’s casket, still in her bloody outfit. She insisted on exiting the plane in the same way, saying, “We’ll go out the regular way. I want them to see what they have done.” This powerful assertion reflected her understanding of the impact of imagery and the message she wanted to convey to the world.

The Aftermath of Assassination

Right-wing opponents of JFK had strong sentiments against him, fueled by his Catholic faith, his proposal for Medicare, and his support for civil rights. Before his visit to Dallas, flyers labeling Kennedy as “WANTED FOR TREASON” circulated. Jackie was likely aware of her husband’s unpopularity among certain groups, which contributed to her feelings surrounding the assassination.

Upon learning that Lee Harvey Oswald had been arrested, she expressed her disdain, noting that her husband didn’t even have the satisfaction of being killed for civil rights but rather by “some silly little Communist.” This reaction underscores the pain and anger she felt in the wake of the tragedy.

Struggling with Trauma

Jackie’s refusal to change her clothes was not just about projecting an image; it was a manifestation of her emotional state. After accompanying Kennedy’s body to Bethesda Naval Hospital for an autopsy, she remained in her blood-soaked outfit while waiting in the presidential suite. The gravity of what had happened weighed heavily on her.

Reliving the Tragedy

While at Bethesda, Jackie began to relive the trauma she had experienced. She recounted the events of that day multiple times to friends and family, including the recent loss of her son, Patrick. This painful retelling reflected her struggle to process the chaos and devastation that had unfolded in such a short time.

The Lasting Impact

Jackie remained at Bethesda until around four in the morning when her husband’s body was ready. After his casket was placed in the East Room of the White House, she finally removed her outfit, a decision that came after hours of grief. Her maid, shocked by the state of Jackie’s clothes, placed the items in a bag, which were later sent to the National Archives.

Legacy of the Pink Suit

In 2003, Caroline Kennedy made a deed of gift of her mother’s clothes, stipulating that the pink suit not be displayed for 100 years. Therefore, Jackie’s iconic outfit remains preserved in a controlled environment, serving as a poignant symbol of not only a tragic day in American history but also of Jackie Kennedy's resilience in the face of unimaginable loss.

As we reflect on this moment in history, it’s essential to remember the humanity behind the politics and the personal suffering that can accompany public tragedy. Jackie Kennedy’s pink suit stands as a testament to her strength and the profound impact of her husband’s legacy.