Jackie Kennedy Onassis was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery beside President John F. Kennedy. Her burial followed a highly publicized period of mourning and reflected both personal wishes and security protocols tied to her late husband.
The garments and objects placed in her coffin, along with the instructions she left for her funeral, reveal how carefully planned her final resting place arrangements were. Below is a detailed overview of what Jackie Kennedy was buried in and how her burial was organized.
| Burial Element | Details | Purpose / Significance | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Arlington National Cemetery, Section R, Grave 45 | Adjacent to President John F. Kennedy | Arlington National Cemetery records |
| Outer Coffin | Bronze casket | Protective shell meeting cemetery standards | Funeral documentation |
| Inner Coffin | Handcrafted cedar chest lined with black silk | Aesthetic and traditional presentation | Estate inventory and family accounts |
| Clothing | Black bouclé suit, black pillbox hat, black shoes | Consistent with her reported funeral attire preferences | Historical accounts and media coverage |
| Personal Items | White gloves, religious medal, small cosmetic case | Personal touches and family remembrance | Funeral home archives |
| Regulations | Arlington burial rules for mourners and memorial items | Compliance with military cemetery standards | Arlington National Cemetery guidelines |
Arlington National Cemetery Burial Site
Jackie Kennedy was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a location chosen for its connection to both her husband and military service. Grave 45 in Section R places her near the eternal flame, a focal point for visitors paying tribute to the Kennedys. The site underscores the intersection of personal grief and public memory in American history.
Specific cemetery regulations shaped how her burial plot was prepared, including depth requirements and memorial placement rules. Understanding the burial site provides essential context for exploring what Jackie Kennedy was buried in and how the location reflects her lasting ties to the nation.
Jackie Kennedy Burial Clothing
Jackie Kennedy wore a black bouclé suit and a matching black pillbox hat to her burial, echoing a style that had become publicly associated with her during mourning. The simple yet elegant outfit was chosen in line with her instructions for a dignified and understated funeral. Footwear consisted of black shoes intended to complement the overall ensemble without drawing attention.
These clothing choices reflected both personal taste and cultural expectations for a First Lady at her final farewell. The garments were practical for the season and designed to photograph respectfully during televised coverage of the graveside service.
Coffin Specifications and Construction
The coffin that held Jackie Kennedy included both an outer bronze casket and a handcrafted inner cedar chest lined with black silk. This layered approach combined durability with visual warmth, honoring traditional funerary practices. The inner chest was carefully selected to provide a serene and respectful setting for her remains.
Specifications for the coffins aligned with Arlington requirements for burial containers, ensuring stability and environmental compatibility in the gravesite. The choice of materials also supported long-term preservation and minimized maintenance needs for cemetery staff.
Personal Items and Vault Regulations
Alongside her clothing, Jackie Kennedy was buried with small personal items such as white gloves, a religious medal, and a modest cosmetic case. These objects offered a sense of intimacy and individuality within the formal structure of military burial protocols. Family members and historians later referenced these items as evidence of her meticulous attention to detail.
Vault requirements at Arlington dictated the use of a burial vault for the inner coffin, reinforcing the grave structure and meeting load-bearing standards. Compliance with these regulations was essential for maintaining the integrity of the burial plot and the surrounding grounds.
Key Takeaways on Jackie Kennedy Burial Practices
- She was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery next to President John F. Kennedy.
- Her burial attire consisted of a black bouclé suit, pillbox hat, and black shoes.
- Personal mementos such as white gloves, a religious medal, and a cosmetic case were included.
- Arlington regulations required a burial vault for structural support and environmental control.
- The coffin setup combined an outer bronze casket with an inner cedar chest lined in black silk.
FAQ
Reader questions
Where exactly was Jackie Kennedy buried?
Jackie Kennedy was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, in Grave 45, Section R, adjacent to President John F. Kennedy.
What clothing was Jackie Kennedy buried in?
She was buried in a black bouclé suit and a black pillbox hat, paired with black shoes, reflecting her documented funeral preferences.
Did Jackie Kennedy have a vault placed around her coffin?
Yes, Arlington regulations required a burial vault for the inner coffin, which was used to support the grave structure and meet cemetery standards.
What personal items were placed with Jackie Kennedy in her grave?
Personal items included white gloves, a religious medal, and a small cosmetic case, chosen to reflect her tastes and provide a sense of intimacy.