JFK’s Secret Affair: A Flight Attendant’s Pregnancy and Abortion
A revealing new biography has brought to light a little-known chapter in the life of former President John F. Kennedy. The book claims that JFK fathered a child with a flight attendant and subsequently paid for her abortion, just months after his wife Jacqueline gave birth to their daughter Caroline.
A Relationship Hidden in the Shadows
The biography, "JFK: Public, Private, Secret" by J. Randy Taraborrelli, details an affair Kennedy had in the late 1950s with Joan Lundberg, then a 23-year-old flight attendant for Frontier Airlines. At the time, Kennedy was 39 years old and serving as a senator.
According to the book, in 1958, shortly after the birth of Caroline Kennedy, Lundberg reached out to inform Kennedy that she was pregnant. The news reportedly stunned him. Joan later reflected that the pregnancy announcement felt "like a knife to Jack's heart." Kennedy expressed concerns about the timing and whether Joan intended the pregnancy, but she assured him he was the father.
Payments for Abortion and Political Pressure
The biography unveils that after learning about the pregnancy, JFK promised to send Joan $400 to cover an abortion. He was quoted saying, "Being a politician is who I am. Politics is all I know. If you take that away…" before abruptly ending the call. When the money did not initially arrive, JFK reportedly became "unhinged" and eventually wired additional funds, ensuring Joan could proceed with the abortion.
Joan is described as feeling upset and disappointed but pragmatic about the situation. JFK was clear that he didn’t want the child, prioritizing his political life over personal responsibilities.
Context of Joan Lundberg’s Life
At the time, Joan was a single mother of two children, living with a partner named Norm Bishop. She worked as a flight attendant, a role placing her in proximity to influential figures. Meanwhile, JFK was married to Jacqueline Kennedy, with his public image tightly guarded.
The Book’s Release and Public Response
"JFK: Public, Private, Secret" is scheduled for publication on July 17, promising to shed fresh light on the former president’s complex personal and political life. These revelations add to the nuanced portrait of JFK, highlighting the tensions between his public image and private actions.
While JFK never publicly acknowledged this or other alleged affairs, this new account provides a detailed glimpse into the hidden tribulations faced behind closed doors during his rise in politics.
