Where Carolyn's Sister Lisa Bessette Is Now and Why She’s Lived Away From Public Eye
After unimaginable loss tied to one of America’s most famous families, Lisa Bessette chose privacy over publicity.
Published Feb. 5 2026, 11:56 a.m. ET
When people think about the tragic plane crash that took the lives of John F. Kennedy Jr., Carolyn Bessette, and Lauren Bessette, there’s one name that often comes up quietly in the background: Lisa Bessette. As Carolyn and Lauren’s sister, Lisa was suddenly connected to a moment in history that captivated the world and broke hearts all at once.
So, it’s no surprise that many still wonder where Lisa Bessette is now and how she’s doing. Did she stay in the public eye? Did she move on to a new chapter far from the headlines? Keep reading as we take a closer look at how Lisa lived her life after such a tragic loss.
John F. Kennedy Jr. and his wife Carolyn Bessette
Lisa Bessette now lives a private life far from the spotlight that once surrounded her family.
After losing both of her sisters in the 1999 plane crash, per The New York Post, Lisa stepped away from public attention almost entirely. While the tragedy remained a major cultural moment, she made a clear choice to grieve and rebuild her life quietly, without cameras or interviews following her every move.
According to reports that surfaced years later, Lisa settled into a low-profile lifestyle and focused on work rather than fame. Per The New York Post, she has been reportedly living in Michigan and working as a contract editor, a career that keeps her behind the scenes instead of in front of an audience.
Her career is a sharp contrast to the intense media attention that surrounded her family in the late 1990s. While many connected to famous figures often lean into the spotlight, Lisa seemed to do the opposite, choosing peace and privacy instead.
She has largely avoided social media and public appearances over the years.
In an age where almost everyone leaves a digital footprint, Lisa’s absence online stands out. There are no verified social media accounts tied to her, and no regular public updates about her life.
That silence appears intentional. After watching how fame affected her sister Carolyn Bessette’s life and relationship with John F. Kennedy Jr., Lisa likely understood firsthand how overwhelming public attention can become.
For many, staying offline has become the modern version of moving somewhere quiet and changing your phone number. It allows people to live normally without constant reminders of past trauma or curiosity from strangers.
The last major public updates about Lisa surfaced years after the tragedy.
Most of what people know about Lisa today comes from articles via The New York Post and Your Tango, published around the 20-year anniversary of the crash. Those stories painted a picture of someone who had built a stable, peaceful life away from celebrity culture.
Since then, there haven’t been many new reports, interviews, or confirmed public sightings. Honestly, that’s probably exactly how she wants it.
When someone is tied to such a high-profile event, even a small update tends to make headlines. The fact that there’s been so little news suggests Lisa has successfully maintained the low-profile life she worked to create.
While updates are rare, there’s no indication anything has happened to her.
With so little recent information floating around, some people naturally wonder if Lisa is still alive. From everything publicly available, there have been no reports or announcements suggesting otherwise.
Given the media attention surrounding the Bessette family and their connection to the Kennedy name, any major news involving Lisa would almost certainly become public knowledge.