When John F. Kennedy Jnr’s plane went down near Martha’s Vineyard on July 16, 1999, the world went into mourning for the loss of ‘America’s prince’.
The 38-year-old son of JFK and his glamorous wife, Jackie, had been earmarked for the White House – until that fatal plane ride cut short not only his life, but that of his much-admired wife, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, 33, and her sister, Laura, 34.
“In the same way people remember his father’s death, John’s loss left a huge wound for Americans, but more so for the Kennedys,” a family insider tells New Idea.
“They understand the fascination with John’s life, his marriage, and his death, but it’s still a very painful memory, which is why they’re bracing for the worst with this upcoming TV series.”
Who is in the cast of American Love Story?
After years of being in development, filming of Ryan Murphy’s new American Love Story anthology series finally began in June 2025, with the first season focusing on John’s romance with fashion PR executive Carolyn. Tony-nominated actress Sarah Pidgeon, 28, has been cast as Carolyn, while actor Paul Kelly has been cast as Jackie’s son, John F. Kennedy Jnr.
Naomi Watts is also set to play Jackie Kennedy.
“It’s put everyone on edge at the [Kennedy’s] Hyannis Port compound,” a family insider said previously.
“They are divided over their response to this, but are doing everything they can to have as much control as Ryan will let them.”
But the insider added: “Unfortunately, Ryan’s keeping his cards close to his chest.”
Already, the family has sent out warning shots via Carole Radziwill, Carolyn’s best friend and the widow of John’s cousin Anthony.
In an interview with the Juicy Scoop podcast in February 2025, Carole said: “[We hear] Ryan’s leaning hard into the tabloid version of Carolyn and John’s story. It’s not the truth – it’s the splashy, messy myth.”
“Carolyn was private, complex, not this soap opera caricature. They deserve better than a glossy story everyone will take as gospel.”
Carole’s words echoed the family’s fears – that the project would be a sensationalised distortion of a tragic love story.
“The family really just wants John and Carolyn to be left to rest in peace,” the insider added. “They don’t endorse this project – and they’re anxious about what Ryan has planned.”
When will American Love Story be released?
American Love Story will premiere on February 12 with three episodes, followed by one new episode weekly until March 26. There will be nine episodes total.
Where can I watch American Love Story in Australia?
The Kennedy-Bessette anthology series American Love Story will be available to watch in Australia on Disney+.
Stream now on Disney+ with a month-to-month no lock-in contract. Subscribe here.
