John F. Kennedy, Jr was born on November 25, 1960, just a few weeks after his father John F. Kennedy beat incumbent Vice President Richard Nixon in the race for the White House.
His father's presidency, tragically short, ended when JFK was assassinated on November 22, 1963, just a few days short of his son's third birthday.
JFK, Jr grew up in the American spotlight and went on to become a lawyer, journalist, and magazine publisher. His life, however, was also tragically cut short when the small plane he was piloting off the coast of Martha's Vineyard crashed in June 1999. JFK, Jr was only 38 years old.
Below is a look at some interesting facts about John F. Kennedy, Jr.
JFK, Jr's favorite Irish song
His favorite Irish song “Carrickfergus” was played at his funeral. While in college, Kennedy, Jr often entertained roommates with his Irish songs repertory.
JFK, Jr's Trump prediction
He once predicted Donald Trump would run for president. At a conference held in Mar a Lago which Trump attended, Kennedy was asked if he had any presidential ambitions.
“I think you should be asking those questions of Donald,” Kennedy, Jr said. “He’d clearly have the most extravagant winter White House.”
Did John F. Kennedy, Jr predict that Donald Trump would become President? (Getty Images)
JFK, Jr's first trip to Ireland
On his first visit to Ireland as a child, JFK, Jr went into a candy store in Co Waterford and when asked which candy he wanted, he replied: “I want them all.”
John F. Kennedy, Jr in 1965 (Getty Images)
Did JFK, Jr have plans for The White House?
The Kennedys’ former assistant, Kathy McKeon, says if John F. Kennedy, Jr hadn’t died in 1999, he’d have run in 2020.
“If her brother wasn’t gone, he’d probably be running for president,’’ McKeon, who helped raise JFK Jr. and Caroline Kennedy, told Avenue Magazine.
JFK, Jr playing in the Oval Office with his father in 1963 (Getty Images)
A small miracle in a tragic death
One of Kennedy, Jr's flying instructors offered to accompany JFK, Jr because of weather conditions on what became his final flight. Kennedy politely turned him down.
A candle, rosary beads and a photo of John F. Kennedy Jr adorn the gravesite of his father, assassinated US President John F. Kennedy 21 July 1999, at Arlington National Cemetery. Image: JOYCE NALTCHAYAN/AFP/Getty Images.
What are your favorite memories of John F. Kennedy, Jr? Let us know in the comments.
* Originally published in Jan 2019. Updated in 2022.
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