Watch Jacqueline Kennedy: In Her Own Words

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was an icon of the 20th century, known for her grace, style, and strength. Her life and legacy have been explored in countless ways over the years, but few have had the intimacy and depth of Jacqueline Kennedy: In Her Own Words, a documentary from ABC News.

This two-hour special, which originally aired in 2011, features rare footage and recordings of Mrs. Kennedy herself, sharing her thoughts and experiences in her own voice. The program is narrated by Diane Sawyer, who also conducted interviews with several of Mrs. Kennedy's friends and colleagues.

The documentary covers Mrs. Kennedy's life from her childhood through her days as First Lady and beyond. We see her as a young girl, raised in a wealthy and privileged family, and hear her speak about her parents, her sisters, and her early interests and pursuits. We learn about her schooling, her travels, and her time as a debutante.

As we move into Jacqueline's teenage and young adult years, we see her transition from a shy, reserved girl to a confident and sophisticated woman. She begins to find her voice as an artist and writer, and starts to develop her own sense of style and fashion. We hear her talk about her relationship with one of her early boyfriends, and how it helped her to understand herself and her feelings.

Of course, much of the documentary is devoted to Mrs. Kennedy's time as First Lady, a role she took on with grace and poise but also with a sense of determination and purpose. We see her design and decorate the White House, we hear her thoughts on her husband's presidency and the challenges they faced, and we witness her strength and resilience in the face of tragedy.

One of the most striking aspects of the documentary is the way it portrays Mrs. Kennedy's vulnerability and humanity. We see her as a real person, with fears and doubts and insecurities like anyone else. We learn about her struggles with pregnancy and childbirth, and hear the pain in her voice as she recalls the loss of her infant son, Patrick. We see her grapple with the fear and uncertainty of her husband's presidency, and we hear her speak candidly about their marriage, including the infidelities that caused her pain and embarrassment.

But despite these challenges, Mrs. Kennedy remained a devoted and committed public servant, using her platform to advocate for causes she cared about and to meet with leaders from around the world. We see her travel to India and Pakistan, where she enchanted crowds with her beauty and charm, and we hear her discuss the importance of the arts and culture in American life.

Throughout the documentary, Mrs. Kennedy's sense of style and fashion is also on display. We see her in some of her most iconic outfits, from the pink Chanel suit she wore on the day of her husband's assassination to the elegant gowns and ensembles she donned for state dinners and public appearances. We learn about her meticulous attention to detail and her love of French fashion and design.

Perhaps most importantly, we see Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis as a woman who lived a full and complex life beyond her years in the White House. We hear her talk about her love of literature and the arts, and we see her pursue her passions even after leaving public life behind. We learn about her marriage to Aristotle Onassis and hear her thoughts on aging and mortality.

Overall, Jacqueline Kennedy: In Her Own Words is a compelling and moving tribute to a woman who embodied elegance, grace, and intelligence in everything she did. It offers a rare glimpse into the private thoughts and experiences of one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, and reminds us of the lasting impact she had on our culture, politics, and society.