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Family Feud Erupted Over JFK Jr.'s Burial Ashes
14 Apr
Summary
- Family argued over burial sites before bodies were recovered.
- Schlossberg allegedly told Bessette's mother her daughter was not a Kennedy.
- A tense conference call led to the surviving sister slamming the phone down.
A new book reveals that a bitter family feud began just hours after the tragic deaths of John F. Kennedy Jr., Carolyn Bessette, and her sister Lauren. While their bodies had not yet been recovered, relatives started arguing about burial locations. Bessette's family desired interment in Greenwich, Connecticut, but the Kennedys resisted, escalating tensions.
The conflict reportedly involved accusations of bullying, with Edwin Schlossberg, Caroline Kennedy's husband, allegedly making Carolyn's mother miserable. He is quoted as stating, 'Kennedys do not eulogize non-Kennedys,' in response to a request for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to speak. This statement angered Lisa Bessette, Carolyn's surviving sister, who reportedly ended a family call abruptly.
The plane crash occurred on July 16, 1999, off the coast of Martha's Vineyard. The recovery operation was extensive, and the trio's bodies were found five days later. Despite the immense grief, family tensions surfaced immediately regarding funeral arrangements. Ultimately, the ashes of John, Carolyn, and Lauren were scattered at sea during a ceremony on July 22, 1999.
Further disputes arose regarding eulogies. When Lisa Bessette suggested Robert F. Kennedy Jr. deliver a eulogy for the couple, Schlossberg allegedly objected, citing his 'Kennedys do not eulogize non-Kennedys' rule. This sparked further outrage and disgust from Lisa Bessette, who felt he was creating arbitrary rules amid the family's tragedy.
