President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jackie Kennedy's two kids, Caroline and John F. Kennedy Jr., were 5 and 2 when JFK was assassinated Stephanie Kaloi is a contributing writer at PEOPLE.

After JFK's assassination, his wife, Jackie Kennedy, opened up about her anguish ... and the devastation of having to raise her children Caroline, then nearly 6, and John Jr., almost 3, alone.

She was the epitome of grace, elegance and quiet strength – with Jacqueline Kennedy, America's beloved ... In 1950, 21-year-old Jackie traveled to Ireland and met Father Leonard, a kind ...

Kennedy was assassinated ... She was very smart." Onassis offered Jackie and her children a wealthy lifestyle and safety ...