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Family

Jackie Kennedy’s Never-Before-Seen Letters Are Heartbreaking

By Melanie Aman

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The tragedy that followed Jackie Kennedy and the entire Kennedy clan is legendary. But now, some of Jackie’s old letters have been unearthed, and they reveal a whole new heartbreaking story of unrequited love.

After the assassination of her husband, John F. Kennedy, in 1963, Jackie found a friend in longtime Kennedy clan confidante and the ambassador to Britain, David Ormsby-Gore. Ormsby-Gore lost his wife, Sylvia, in a car accident, and the two bonded over the deep losses.

MUST-SEE: See the Entire Kennedy Family!

Jackie-Kennedy-David-Ormsby-Gorevia Pinterest

In 1967, the two traveled to Cambodia together, sparking rumors that he had proposed. In 1968, just five years after JFK’s death, Ormsby-Gore finally did propose to Kennedy–and she rejected him..These newly discovered letters describe the pain and anguish Ormsby-Gore felt.

“All had become irrelevant trash to be thrown away within a few hours of my landing in New York,” he wrote. “As for your photograph, I weep when I look at it.”

Jackie-Kennedy-David-Ormsby-Gore-Cambodiavia Pinterest

Later that year Kennedy married Green shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.

“If ever I can find some healing and some comfort it has to be with someone who is not part of all my world of past and pain,” she wrote to him a 1968 letter on stationery from Onassis’ yacht.

MUST-SEE: Even the Way Jackie Kennedy Broke Up with Her High School Boyfriend Was Graceful

However, they remained close, with Ormsby-Gore serving as a pallbearer at Robert Kennedy’s funeral. In 1968, Ormsby-Gore married Pamela Collin. Kennedy attended his funeral in 1985 after he died from injuries sustained in a car accident.

The letters are up for auction and are expected to bring in almost $190,000. The money will be used to restore the family’s home.

via Today.com

NEXT: These photos prove Jackie Kennedy was the most stylish first lady!

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  1. 18 Jackie Kennedy First Lady Photo

    Via Pinterest
    Jackie Kennedy remains one of the most beloved first ladies, and her signature style is recognized all over the world.

  3. 01 Jackie Kennedy Wedding

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    Jackie Kennedy's iconic wedding dress was created by American designer Ann Lowe. However, Jackie herself later admitted she was not a fan of the dress and would have preferred something more simple.

  5. 17 Jackie Kennedy Hair

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    Jackie's signature bouffant hairstyle, created by Kenneth Battelle, was copied by women everywhere.

  6. 02 Jackie Kennedy Inauguration

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    In 1961, the night before her husband's inauguration, Jackie wore this beautiful cream dress to the Inaugural Gala. It was created by American designer Oleg Cassini, who would go on to make many more of Jackie's most iconic outfits.

  7. 09 Jackie Kennedy Inauguration Coat

    Via Pinterest
    On the way to her husband's inauguration, Jackie wore a simple wool coat with large buttons and a fur collar, which was also designed by Cassini.

  9. 07 Jackie Kennedy Hats

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    Throughout her time as first lady, Jackie was famous for her pillbox hats, many of which were designed by Halston.

  10. 08 Jackie Kennedy Suits

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    Jackie's colorful suits are well-documented. She wore this Chez Ninon set during a CBS tour of the White House in 1962 after it had undergone massive renovations, and ended up winning an Emmy for this broadcast.

  11. 06 Jackie Kennedy

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    In 1962, at a state dinner in honor of Andre Malraux, the French Minister of Culture, Jackie donned a baby pink Guy Douvier dress.

  13. 16 Jackie Kennedy

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    On a goodwill trip to India in 1962, Jackie dazzled in a peach Cassini dress. She's also pictured wearing her signature triple-strand pearls, designed by Kenneth Jay Lane.

  14. 10 Jackie Kennedy

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    On the same visit to India, Jackie wore this beautiful floor-length white gown to a dinner.

  15. 14 Jackie Kennedy Engagement Ring

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    Even though Jackie is recognized by pearls, her engagement ring from JFK is a stunner. The Van Cleef & Arpels ring is almost 8 carats of diamonds and emeralds.

  17. 13 Jackie Kennedy Brooch

    Via Pinterest
    Another of Jackie's favorite jewelry pieces was this brooch designed by Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany. It was a gift from her husband to celebrate the birth of their son.

  18. 11 Jackie Kennedy

    Via Pinterest
    After she left the White House, oversized, dark sunglasses became a distinct part of her style.

  19. 03 Jackie Kennedy Headscarf

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    Headscarves made some appearances during her husband's time in office, but they became her go-to accessory during her second marriage.

  21. 05 Jackie Kennedy Casual

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    Jackie looked stylish even when she opted for a casual outfit. Her white flared jeans and untucked black turtleneck set another trend.
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