Ryan Murphy’s new series Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette is putting ’90s nostalgia at the forefront of the pop culture zeitgeist. The series, starring Paul Anthony Kellyas JFK Jr. and Sarah Pidgeon as Bessette, is a reminder to fans of the allure, mystique, charm and eloquence of John F. Kennedy Jr. Katie Couric is reflecting on a poignant moment in broadcast history: her interview with Kennedy, which would become his final television appearance before his tragic death.
Katie Couric Reflects on Her Final Interview With JFK Jr.
In a post shared to social media Friday, Couric writes:
With so much attention on Ryan Murphy’s new series about JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, the interview I did with John F. Kennedy Jr. in May of 1999 (the last television interview he did before he, Carolyn and her sister Lauren died) is being rewatched, or watched for the first time, by so many people. I wrote about what it’s been like witnessing a new generation be introduced to this mesmerizing couple and how tragic their deaths were for all of us.
The former Today show host shares a poignant portion of her 1999 interview with Kennedy, one in which he reflects on how his mother, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, raised him and his sister Caroline Kennedy despite the glaring spotlight of growing up in America’s most famous and respected political family.
Related: Katie Couric Names the First Book She’s Reading in 2026: ‘I Don’t Want This Book To End’
Fans React to the Resurfaced Interview
Nostalgic viewers used Couric’s comment section to express longing for the grace of JFK Jr. and the impact of Ryan Murphy’s Love Story series.
“Perfect description of them, mesmerizing. They were magical. Even all these years later it breaks my heart that those three young people were taken from us,” shared one emotional fan. Another added, “He is so well spoken, with so much charisma and heart. You can feel how humble and down to earth he was… so much sparkle in his eyes.”
A teary-eyed viewer added, “Great clip. You almost made him cry. Well done KC.”
“Such a wonderful and treasured interview. JFK Jr. is so missed. He could have had such a great impact on our country,” lamented another.
Inside JFK Jr.’s Final Television Appearance
During the sit-down with Katie Couric, Kennedy spoke candidly about his work with George magazine and his desire to make politics more accessible and engaging to a broader audience. Possibly the most memorable and touching part of the conversation is reflected in the clip shared by Couric, in which he comments on his mother’s influence, strength and guidance, offering a rare glimpse into his closely guarded personal life and his deep admiration for his iconic mother.
Just weeks after the interview aired, Kennedy died in a plane crash on July 16, 1999, off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. He was 38 years old. The tragedy shocked the nation and marked the end of a life that had long fascinated the public.
Revisiting Couric’s interview, the conversation stands as a moving final chapter in Kennedy’s public life — one in which his optimism, devotion to his family and dedication to service set the standard for Americans who viewed John F. Kennedy Jr. as the inspiring heir to the Camelot legacy left by his parents.
Katie Couric writes about Kennedy’s newfound impact on a new generation in her Substack.
Related: Everything to Know About FX’s ‘Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette’
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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