Carolyn Bessette news
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The gist
Brad Johns, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy's hair colorist, died at 70. His iconic blonde transformation remains part of her enduring image.
Background
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, wife of John F. Kennedy Jr., died in 1999, but her style continues to influence fashion. The FX series 'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette' premiered in February 2026, reigniting public interest in her life and style. Brad Johns, who created her signature blonde hair, passed away on August 27, 2026, prompting renewed attention to his work and legacy.
How it unfolded
- Feb 2026FX's 'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette' premieres, starring Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn.
- Aug 27, 2026Brad Johns dies at his home in West Hollywood, Calif., after battling prostate cancer.
- Aug 31, 2026People and American Salon publish obituaries for Brad Johns, highlighting his work with Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.
- Sep 1, 2026The series becomes available on JioHotstar in India, and media coverage of Johns' death and the series' cultural impact continues.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- American Salon's obituary states Johns 'left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him' and was 'deeply loved.'
- Public
- TikTok users are emulating Carolyn Bessette's style, with one video showing a woman transforming her husband's look into JFK Jr.'s, calling it 'The Carolyn Bessette Effect.'
Still unverified
The exact cause of Brad Johns' death is reported as prostate cancer by close friends, but no official statement from his family has been released.