Kelly Klein has remembered the last day she saw Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, nearly 27 years after Carolyn died in a plane crash with John F. Kennedy Jr. and her sister, Lauren Bessette.
Klein posted two photographs of Carolyn on July 15 and wrote that the date in 1999 had marked their final meeting. The photographer and designer became close with Carolyn during their years around Calvin Klein’s fashion house.
One image showed Carolyn on a trip to Paris. The other came from a Calvin Klein fitting, with Carolyn wearing a pale yellow dress with white lace detailing.
Carolyn died the following night, July 16, 1999, when the plane piloted by her husband crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Martha’s Vineyard. She was 33, John was 38 and Lauren was 34.
Kelly Klein Remembered Their Last Meeting
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“I didn’t know today would have been the last day I saw you!” Klein wrote in the Instagram caption. “If you only knew what was going on down here!”
People reported that Klein shared the photos one day before the 27th anniversary of Carolyn’s death. The outlet identified the images as a Paris trip photo and a Calvin Klein fitting photo.
Klein did not describe what happened during their final meeting. She used the post to praise Carolyn’s style and the continued interest in her image nearly three decades later.
Carolyn’s Minimal Style Still Draws Attention
In the Paris photograph, Carolyn wore a white button-down shirt with a sweater tied around her waist. The fitting image showed her in the pale yellow Calvin Klein look.
Klein wrote that Carolyn had influenced younger generations “in only the most positive ways” and praised her “simple elegant minimal style.” She ended the tribute by saying Carolyn was still deeply missed.
The new post follows years of continued interest in Carolyn’s wardrobe, including renewed attention after FX’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette dramatized her life, work and marriage.
Their Friendship Began Through Calvin Klein
Carolyn worked at Calvin Klein before her marriage to John. People reported that she stayed with the fashion house until her 1996 wedding.
She began in sales after graduating from Boston University and later moved into higher-profile work with celebrity clients. Entertainment Weekly reported that she resigned in 1996 while facing heavy media and paparazzi attention during her relationship with John.
Klein, who was married to Calvin Klein from 1986 to 2006, became closely associated with Carolyn through the fashion house. People said she formed a close bond with Carolyn while both were connected to the label.
The Plane Crashed Near Martha’s Vineyard
On July 16, 1999, John piloted a Piper Saratoga carrying Carolyn and Lauren from New Jersey toward Massachusetts. They were traveling for Rory Kennedy’s wedding.
The plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean about seven and a half miles off Martha’s Vineyard. All three people aboard were killed.
People reported that the National Transportation Safety Board later determined the crash was caused by pilot error, with spatial disorientation likely contributing as John descended over water at night.
Love Story Brought Their Circle Back Into View
Klein and Carolyn’s friendship was later depicted in FX’s Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette. Sarah Pidgeon played Carolyn, Paul Anthony Kelly played John and Leila George portrayed Klein.
People said the series premiered on Feb. 12 and was inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s book Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.
Klein later met George after the show’s first season ended. In an April Instagram post Klein said she felt “lucky” to have been portrayed by the actress.