Broadcaster and media personality Howard Stern opened up about his memories of Carolyn Bessette, offering a glimpse of their past interactions. While he was vague on specifics, his reflections revealed a private connection that has fans curious. The host also recalled meeting Bessette’s husband, John F. Kennedy Jr., and the time he was asked to look on the quilt of “George” magazine.
Stern’s comments come amid the airing of “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette,” a limited series focused on the late couple’s relationship.
Howard Stern Said He Knew The ‘Real’ Carolyn Bessette
In an episode of “The Howard Stern Show,” the host talked about his interactions with Bessette, describing her as a “lovely” woman. “I knew the actual Carolyn Bessette,” he noted, but admitted that he couldn’t say he knew her thoroughly.
Nonetheless, Stern had enough interactions with the style publicist to form an opinion about her. “We had many, many conversations, greater than casual conversations,” he shared, adding, “I don’t wish to go into how I knew her, but I knew her. I do know enough to maintain my mouth shut about that. Some stuff you do must keep private.”
Despite his cryptic statements, Stern said Bessette was “very nice, very open, and talkative” with him and wasn’t snobbish or smug. “I don’t have any juicy, gossipy story,” he added.
Howard Stern Posed For JFK Jr’s Magazine
Stern also recalled the time he agreed to pose for JFK Jr.’s “George” magazine, which fused politics with popular culture. The publication was famous for its covers, which featured celebrities dressed as historical figures.
The host said that he rarely did magazine cover shoots at the moment, but he couldn’t say no to JFK Jr. as he was “American royalty” and “the nicest guy on the earth.” Stern admitted that he also did it within the off-chance that JFK Jr. would conform to be on his show.
Stern said JFK Jr. was present through the shoot, and so they had him dressed as George Washington holding a chainsaw and chopping down a cherry tree. “I used to be presupposed to be George Washington, but George Washington didn’t wear this sh-t I used to be wearing. I looked like Paul Revere in drag,” he said. Admittedly, Stern said it was one in every of the “worst covers” he ever did.
John F. Kennedy Was A Guest On The Host’s Show
JFK Jr. returned the favor and agreed to be interviewed by Stern. It was a daring move, because the host was known for his provocative sort of interviewing. RoseMarie Terenzio, JFK Jr.’s personal assistant, wrote about that point in her 2012 book, sharing how she and Bessette were anxious concerning the interview. “I used to be really nervous. Howard had an unmatched ability to make people look silly,” she wrote.
Stern was in a position to get some interesting facts about him, reminiscent of losing his virginity in highschool, and he also asked about his fight with Bessette in Washington Square Park that was captured by paparazzi. JFK Jr. explained, saying it was a “silly argument” that was blown out of proportion by the media. Ultimately, JFK Jr. accomplished the interview unscathed.
Howard Stern’s Thoughts About The Show
Stern said that he’s been watching “Love Story,” and he shared his tackle the controversial series. The host said that he agrees with actress Daryl Hannah regarding how she was portrayed. The actress dated JFK Jr. before he got along with Bessette, and her relationship with him was included within the show.
As The Blast previously reported, Hannah wrote an essay calling out the show for adding scenes that never happened in real life and for portraying her in a foul light. “She’s right. Her grievance is that they’re making her appear like a douche. From everyone I do know who knows Daryl Hannah, they are saying she’s a fantastic girl,” Stern said. Other than that, Stern said he and his wife “love the TV show.”
The Kennedy Family Blasted ‘Love Story’
JFK Jr.’s nephew, Jack Schlossberg, has repeatedly spoken out about “Love Story,” accusing producer Ryan Murphy of cashing in on tragedy. “The guy knows nothing about what he’s talking about, and he’s making a ton of cash on a grotesque display of another person’s life,” Shclossberg said.
In July 2025, Murphy said the series was based on the book “Once Upon a Time: The Fascinating Lifetime of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy,” which he noted was “sympathetic to each people.” Admittedly, he didn’t expect backlash from the Kennedys.
“Love Story” premiered on FX and Hulu in February, and the ninth and final episode will air on March 26.