John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy dressed up for a black-tie event

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Much like his parents before him, John F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, were high-society darlings and subjects of public fascination. Steeped in the mythos of the Kennedy political dynasty, the "It" couple of the 1990s frequently made headlines and inspired swarms of paparazzi, who followed close behind them whether they were taking their dog out for a walk or stepping into a black-tie gala. They were glamorous no doubt, but even this deified duo couldn't resist getting their hands greasy with an order of KFC.

In the 2024 biography, "Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy," the late couple's friend Hamilton South revealed that their butler often did the cooking. But, South noted, "Carolyn had one recipe, roast chicken with lemon and garlic. If it wasn't one of those two, then they ordered in, sometimes even from Kentucky Fried Chicken." Kennedys: They're (sometimes) just like us.

The couple's penchant for the southern fried chicken chain was even depicted in an episode of "Love Story," the 2026 FX series about their relationship. In response to the scene, some viewers have questioned whether there had been a KFC location near their swanky Tribeca neighborhood. However, the chain had developed a strong presence in New York City by at least the early 1970s, so they — or their butler — probably didn't have to wander far to get their hands on some.

The 1990s were a major turning point for KFC

A KFC meal with fried chicken bucket, Pepsi cup, and fries

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The 1990s, back when JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy were counted among its fans, were a major decade for the company. In 1991, it officially changed its name from Kentucky Fried Chicken to its now iconic acronym. While some folks believed the company did this to remove the word "fried" from its identity, the move also allowed it to avoid paying licensing fees to the Bluegrass State for using "Kentucky" in its name.

Diet culture also defined the era, and the eatery shifted its marketing a bit to seem like a slightly healthier choice in the saturated fast food market. Throughout the '90s, KFC launched its skinless "Lite 'n Crispy" chicken, bite-sized popcorn chicken, and the recently resurrected Twister wrap, which was served on pita bread back in the day.

Regardless of marketing, not everyone would expect KFC to attract socialites like Kennedy and Bessette. However, its finger-lickin' good fried chicken has won the hearts of many a lofty A-lister over the years. Both Khloé and Kim Kardashian have been known to treat themselves to Colonel Sander's specialties on occasion, while President Donald Trump reportedly serves it aboard Air Force One. During his 2016 campaign, Trump even shared a photo of himself enjoying a bucket of the chicken on his own private plane. Turns out, those 11 herbs and spices have very broad appeal.