Jackie O's Hidden Habit: The Private Smoker

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, an enduring symbol of grace, style, and composure, meticulously crafted a public image that captivated the world. Yet, beneath the veneer of sophistication, lay a deeply personal and largely hidden habit: she was a heavy smoker. For over 40 years, the former First Lady maintained a steady consumption of up to three packs of cigarettes a day, a detail that sharply contrasts with her carefully curated public persona.

During her time in the White House, and for many years thereafter, Jackie O went to great lengths to conceal her smoking. Public photographs of her with a cigarette are exceedingly rare, a testament to her conscious effort to keep the habit private. She understood the powerful impact of optics, particularly for a First Lady, and chose to shield this aspect of her life from the public gaze.

The Whispers Behind Closed Doors

While the public remained largely unaware, those within her inner circle were privy to her smoking. Lyndon B. Johnson, for instance, reportedly knew of her preference for Salem cigarettes and would ensure her brand was on hand during her visits to the LBJ Ranch. This subtle accommodation highlights the discretion that surrounded her habit, even among close acquaintances.

The motivation behind her lengthy addiction is a subject of speculation. Some reports suggest she began smoking at a young age, believing it helped her maintain her famously slender figure. This belief, common in certain circles during her era, speaks to the societal pressures and beauty standards of the time, even for someone as seemingly self-assured as Jackie Kennedy Onassis.

A Changing Image and a Late Goodbye

After her marriage to Aristotle Onassis, a Greek shipping magnate, there was a slight shift in her approach to smoking. While still private, she became marginally less guarded about the habit, occasionally seen with a cigarette holder. This period perhaps offered her a degree of liberation from the intense scrutiny she experienced as a Kennedy, allowing a sliver of her private life to peek through.

Tragically, Jackie Kennedy Onassis only quit smoking in 1994, at the earnest request of her daughter, Caroline. This decision came after her diagnosis with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. She passed away in May of that same year at the age of 64. While never definitively stated as the sole cause, her extensive smoking history is widely believed to have been a significant contributing factor to her increased risk of developing the aggressive cancer.

The story of Jackie O's smoking habit is more than just a footnote; it offers a glimpse into the complexities of a woman who balanced immense public responsibility with deeply personal struggles. It reminds us that even the most iconic figures harbor hidden aspects, making them all the more human and, in their own way, relatable.