**Carole Radziwill Shares Thoughts on ‘Carolyn Bessette Summer’ in RHONY Comeback Episode**
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Carole Radziwill, a familiar face from the reality series “Real Housewives of New York City”, has made her return to the show in its latest season. This season, conversations about style trends have taken centre stage, with Jessica Taank bringing up the much-discussed “Carolyn Bessette Summer”. The segment aired during a dinner gathering of the housewives in a new episode on Tuesday, September 15.
In a sneak peek shared by PEOPLE, Taank posed a question to Radziwill regarding the minimalist fashion trend inspired by the late Carolyn Bessette, known for her classic aesthetic. Radziwill’s response was somewhat candid. “I don’t love that. I don’t. What is that?” she remarked, reflecting a degree of skepticism towards the trend.
Taank continued to elaborate on the concept, suggesting a return to the minimalistic look associated with Calvin Klein, featuring colour palettes dominated by blacks, whites, and neutrals. Intriguingly, Taank pointed out that Radziwill was somewhat embodying the trend herself with her current attire—a stylish blazer over a basic white T-shirt. Taank then claimed that she had recently dressed in black and white herself, playfully dubbing it “Carolyn Bessette Summer”.
Radziwill did not hold back in her response, advising Taank against adopting that specific style, saying, “No, I don’t think you should do that.” Following this exchange, Taank voiced her thoughts in a confessional, describing Radziwill as a “walking human vibe diffuser”. She expressed that if she were to pass away, she would be thrilled to see a style trend associated with her that embraces extravagance and glamour.
The connection between Radziwill and Bessette goes beyond fashion; the two women not only shared a friendship but were also cousins by marriage. Radziwill was married to Anthony Radziwill, who was John F. Kennedy Jr.’s cousin and served as the best man at Kennedy and Bessette’s secret wedding in 1996.
Their friendship blossomed during a vacation in the Hamptons in 1992, where Radziwill met both JFK Jr. and Bessette. Radziwill recounted a memorable first impression of Bessette, describing her as “very friendly” and noting that Bessette approached her immediately, asking for an extra toothbrush. This initial interaction marked the beginning of a close bond between the two women.
Tragically, Bessette and JFK Jr. lost their lives in a plane crash in 1999. Radziwill has previously spoken about the profound impact their deaths had on her, mentioning in an interview with The Telegraph that their loss brought her “to her knees”. She has been vocal about her feelings towards the relentless retelling of their story in various projects.
Radziwill’s absence from the recent FX series “Love Story” has elicited curiosity. Although she has not explicitly addressed why she was not included in the portrayal, she has commented on the ongoing narrative surrounding JFK Jr. and Bessette’s lives. In a post on her Substack earlier this year, she expressed concern over how their story continues to be “reinvented” and embellished with inaccuracies by those who were not present and do not seek the truth.
In terms of her current sentiments, Radziwill indicated that while she is now “at peace” with the ongoing retelling of their story, she remains resolute in her determination not to indulge in watching the series that has sparked such controversy.
The cast of the new season of “Real Housewives of New York City” also includes Sai De Silva, Erin Lichy, Hailey Glassman, Erika Hammond, and Daisy Toye. Viewers can catch new episodes, which air every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo, with streaming available the following day on Peacock.
As Radziwill resumes her place in the ever-evolving dynamics of the Real Housewives franchise, her reflections on style, friendship, and narrative ownership continue to resonate with fans and followers alike.