Full Breakdown
John F. Kennedy's Romantic Letter to Gunilla von Post Surfaces
2/26/2026, 10:58:12 PM
The Emergence of a Personal Correspondence
A handwritten letter from John F. Kennedy to his Swedish mistress, Gunilla von Post, has surfaced 71 years after it was written. The letter, dated June 1955, reveals Kennedy's intention to reconnect with von Post during a trip to Europe, despite being married to Jacqueline Kennedy. In the letter, he expresses a desire to meet her in Stockholm and congratulates her on her engagement to Swedish landowner Anders Ekman, indicating a complex relationship that persisted even after her engagement.
Background of the Affair
Gunilla von Post, a Swedish aristocrat, first met Kennedy in Cannes, France, in the summer of 1953, shortly before his marriage to Jacqueline Bouvier. Their relationship reportedly blossomed into an "intensely intimate and joyful" week spent together in Sweden in August 1955. According to von Post's memoir, "Love, Jack," Kennedy contemplated leaving Jacqueline for her, but ultimately decided against it due to various personal and familial pressures, including Jacqueline's miscarriage and subsequent pregnancy.
Key Figures Involved
- John F. Kennedy: The 35th President of the United States, known for his numerous extramarital affairs, including relationships with Marilyn Monroe and Gunilla von Post.
- Gunilla von Post: A Swedish aristocrat who had a romantic relationship with Kennedy, later chronicled in her memoirs.
- Jacqueline Kennedy: Kennedy's wife, whose struggles with miscarriage and pregnancy influenced the dynamics of Kennedy's relationships.
The Letter's Significance
The letter, which is currently for sale at RR Auction for $29,700, provides insight into Kennedy's personal life and the complexities of his relationships. It highlights the tension between his public persona as a political leader and his private life marked by infidelity. The correspondence not only reflects Kennedy's character but also sheds light on the emotional landscape of his relationships during a pivotal time in his life.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of Kennedy's legacy often point to his extramarital affairs as a significant aspect of his character, arguing that they undermine his accomplishments as a political leader. The resurfacing of this letter may reignite discussions about the ethical implications of his personal choices and their impact on his public life.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am coming to Stockholm, I hope, around the 7th of September. Is there any chance you shall be there – as I would like to say hello.” — John F. Kennedy
- “As detailed in her poignant memoir, Love, Jack, von Post recounts that she and Kennedy spent an intensely intimate and joyful week together while traveling through Sweden in August 1955.” — Source
What's Next
The auction of the letter is scheduled for March 27, and it is expected to attract significant interest from collectors and historians alike, further illuminating the personal life of one of America's most enigmatic presidents.
