Arabella Kennedy was the first child of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy. But sadly, most people have never heard of her. She was born into one of the most famous families in American history — but her life ended before it ever began.
This article tells the full and gentle story of Arabella Kennedy, John F. Kennedy’s daughter, who was stillborn in 1956. It’s a quiet, emotional part of the Kennedy family’s history that deserves to be remembered. We’ll explore how she was born, how her parents reacted, where she was buried, and why her story still matters today.
Let’s begin at the start — with who Arabella was.
Arabella Kennedy Quick Bio
| Full Name | Arabella Kennedy |
| Known As | John F. Kennedy’s daughter |
| Date of Birth | August 23, 1956 |
| Date of Death | August 23, 1956 |
| Age | 0 (stillborn) |
| Birthplace | Newport, Rhode Island, USA |
| Parents | John F. Kennedy, Jacqueline Kennedy |
| Siblings | Caroline Kennedy, John F. Kennedy Jr., Patrick Kennedy |
| Cause of Death | Stillborn |
| Burial Place | Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia |
| Gravestone | Marked “Daughter” |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Irish and French ancestry |
Who Was Arabella Kennedy?
Arabella Kennedy was the first daughter of John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy. She was born on August 23, 1956, but sadly, she was stillborn, which means she died before taking her first breath.
She never got the chance to grow up, speak, or play — but her memory lives on. Even though she was never seen in public, Arabella is still part of the Kennedy family’s powerful story.
In later years, Jackie would quietly refer to her stillborn daughter as Arabella, though the name was never officially recorded.
Jackie Kennedy’s First Pregnancy Loss
Before Arabella, Jackie had already gone through another heartbreak. In 1955, she became pregnant for the first time. But sadly, she had a miscarriage after just a few months.
It was a difficult and lonely time for Jackie. She was still adjusting to life as a politician’s wife. She kept her pain private, but the loss hurt deeply.
That first loss made the couple hope even more for a healthy baby the next time. When Jackie got pregnant again in 1956, she tried to stay strong and hopeful. Everyone thought this baby would make it.
The Birth of Arabella Kennedy
On August 23, 1956, something went terribly wrong. Jackie woke up early in the morning and found herself bleeding heavily. She was scared and rushed to Newport Hospital in Rhode Island.
Doctors quickly delivered her baby by emergency C-section. It was a baby girl — full-term and beautiful — but she was stillborn. Jackie never got to hear her daughter cry or hold her alive.
The baby’s death came as a terrible shock. After so much hope, Jackie was left with deep sadness and silence.
Where Was John F. Kennedy During the Birth?
At the time of the birth, John F. Kennedy wasn’t with Jackie. He was vacationing on a yacht in the Mediterranean Sea with friends.
When he got the news, he didn’t rush home right away. In fact, according to reports, he hesitated. It was only after his friend George Smathers warned him — “You better haul your ass back to your wife if you ever want to run for president” — that JFK booked a flight and returned to Jackie.
Many people felt he should’ve come back sooner. It was a hard moment for their marriage and for Jackie, who had to go through the trauma mostly alone.
Why She Was Named Arabella Kennedy
The name Arabella was never made official. There is no birth certificate and no written record from that time. Jackie simply began calling her stillborn daughter Arabella in later years.
But she didn’t put the name on her grave. Jackie felt unsure if JFK had even known the name. So when the baby was later buried at Arlington, her headstone was marked only with the word “Daughter.”
It was a quiet way to remember her — simple, respectful, and deeply personal.
Arabella Kennedy’s Burial and Final Resting Place
At first, Arabella was buried in a Catholic cemetery in Rhode Island not far from where she was born. But after JFK was assassinated in 1963, Jackie made a decision.
She had Arabella’s remains moved to Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia so she could rest beside her father. Later, Patrick Kennedy, the couple’s other baby who died in infancy, was also moved there.
Today, Arabella’s small grave sits quietly next to her family. It simply says “Daughter” — but her story carries much more meaning.
The Kennedy Family’s Silent Grief
The Kennedys didn’t talk much about Arabella in public. But privately, Jackie never forgot her. She once told a close friend that she had “five children in ten years”, even though only two survived beyond infancy.
That quiet sentence showed how deeply Arabella’s memory stayed with her.
Jackie was known for her grace and silence. She didn’t often show her pain, but Arabella’s loss was something she carried forever — just like many mothers who have lost a child too soon.
Arabella Kennedy and the ‘Kennedy Curse’
Many people believe there is something called the “Kennedy Curse.” It’s the idea that the Kennedy family has faced more than its fair share of bad luck and tragedy.
Arabella Kennedy’s stillbirth is often seen as one of the first signs of this curse. She was John F. Kennedy’s daughter, and her death was followed by many other sad events — including the deaths of JFK himself, his brother Robert F. Kennedy, and their son John F. Kennedy Jr.
Even though Arabella never lived to see the world, her loss became part of a much bigger and sadder pattern that followed the Kennedy family for decades.
The Children Jackie Kennedy Had After Arabella
After losing Arabella, Jackie didn’t give up hope. In 1957, just one year later, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Caroline Kennedy. This time, everything went well, and the family was filled with joy.
Then in 1960, just two weeks after JFK won the presidency, their son John F. Kennedy Jr. was born. But even his birth came with problems — he was born early and had trouble breathing. Doctors had to act fast to save him.
Later, in 1963, Jackie gave birth again. The baby boy, named Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, was also born early. Sadly, Patrick died just 39 hours after he was born due to breathing problems.
Arabella Kennedy’s Place in the Kennedy Legacy
Arabella Kennedy may not have lived, but she will always be part of the Kennedy story. She was John F. Kennedy’s first daughter, and she was deeply loved — even in silence.
Her grave at Arlington National Cemetery sits beside her father, her baby brother Patrick, and her mother, Jackie. It’s a quiet reminder of the pain this family carried, even while they were in the spotlight.
Even though Arabella never had a public life, her story helps people see the real, human side of the Kennedys — the side filled with love, loss, and quiet strength.
What Makes Arabella Kennedy’s Story So Important
Some people may ask, “Why talk about a baby who never lived?” The answer is simple: because her life mattered. Even if she never took a breath, Arabella Kennedy was a daughter, a part of a family, and a piece of history.
Her story shows that grief doesn’t go away, even for famous people. It also shows the strength of a mother like Jackie, who kept going, even after so much heartbreak.
Arabella’s life reminds us that every child — no matter how short their time — leaves a mark on this world.
Final Thoughts
Arabella Kennedy was only here for a moment, but her memory lives on. She was John F. Kennedy’s daughter, and she is still remembered with love today.
Jackie Kennedy once said she had “five children in ten years.” That small sentence says everything. Arabella was one of those five. She was real. She was loved. She will never be forgotten.
Her quiet grave with the word “Daughter” says it all — a silent but powerful reminder of a life that mattered, even if it never began.
(FAQs)
What was the cause of Arabella Kennedy’s death?
Arabella Kennedy was stillborn. She died before birth on August 23, 1956, after Jackie Kennedy suffered heavy bleeding and needed an emergency C‑section.
Did Arabella Kennedy have a funeral?
Yes, but it was very private. Arabella Kennedy had a small burial ceremony with no public service. Later, her remains were moved to Arlington National Cemetery.
What was Arabella Kennedy’s middle name?
Arabella Kennedy did not have a middle name. There is no birth record or official document that lists one.
What was Arabella Kennedy’s age and birthday?
Arabella Kennedy was born on August 23, 1956, and she passed away the same day. Her age was zero.
Where is Arabella Kennedy buried today?
Arabella Kennedy is buried at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia. Her grave is marked with just one word: “Daughter.”
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