Long-Lost Kennedy Sibling And The Fall From Grace Many Forgot
When it came to star-studded celebrities in the world of politics, the Kennedys were American royalty. Jackie Kennedy certainly made sure of that. Every family has a black sheep, though, and for the Kennedys, that black sheep was Jackie's aunt, Edith Ewing Bouvier Beale. Like the Kennedys, Edith lived the high life too for some time — but unlike her famous niece, Edith had an eccentric personality that just didn't fit in with elite society. As it turned out with "Edie," sometimes the apple falls very, very far from the tree.
The Good Life
At the start of her life, it seemed Edith was headed for greatness. Her father, “Major” John Vernou Bouvier, was a renowned attorney with plenty of riches to give his family a good life. Edith herself was very gifted, too, but it would cause her trouble with how different she was from typical women of her time.
Misunderstood Genius
From a young age, people noted Edith's talent as a pianist and singer, even calling her a child prodigy. As great as that was, it didn't make up for her unusual antics. Women in wealthy circles were expected to behave elegantly and follow a strict etiquette code, but Edith hated playing by the rules. It became an embarrassment for the Bouvier family.
Rebel Girl
Edith was often mischievous, unruly, and disrespectful of authority, and since her father worked with authority daily in the courts, this posed a publicity problem for the elite family. More than saving face for his career, though, John was unhappy with his daughter for how dedicated she was to her craft and her image.
High Hopes
Edith was serious about becoming a singer. It wasn't a secret she'd try to hide, but her father couldn't help but resent her for all the time she took focusing on her voice and her looks. To him, it was a complete waste of time, but Edith was still aiming to follow her dreams. She had the ability for it, but it was the attention she brought to herself that would be her downfall.
