Remembering John F. Kennedy Jr.’s Love for the Knicks
John F. Kennedy Jr., a dedicated Knicks fan, remains a vibrant memory among those who knew him, as he is remembered for his enthusiasm from a courtside seat, even from beyond.
“I’m sure they’re cheering from somewhere,” remarked Rosemary Terenzio, a close friend and former chief of staff. She believes that, if he were alive today, he would not only be at Madison Square Garden for the NBA Finals but would undoubtedly be the most stylish and popular person in attendance.
She described him as a quintessential New Yorker who really brought a unique charm to MSG. His presence elevated the venue’s atmosphere, and he was often seen sporting a tie and button-down shirt, having come straight from work.
“He always looked sharp, whether he was at a game or biking around the city, but it never seemed forced,” Terenzio added.
Kennedy owned two sets of Knicks tickets: one set on Celebrity Row and another behind the basket. He witnessed the Knicks’ last championship during the 1999 NBA Finals, just a month before his tragic plane crash at the age of 38.
“He was a massive fan. Whenever he was in town, I tried to go if I could,” she said, reminiscing about their time spent at games together.
Terenzio recounted a special birthday moment in January 1996 when Kennedy gifted her a courtside seat to watch the Knicks play against the Chicago Bulls.
“It was unbelievable,” she recalled. “I remember seeing Patrick Ewing wave at him from the bench—I’d thought, ‘Are you serious?! He just waved at you?!’ And then John just started laughing.”
Interestingly, Kennedy had insisted on taking her to the game rather than just offering tickets. “He said, ‘What are you doing for your birthday?… Would you like to go to a Knicks game with me?’” Terenzio remembered, clearly moved by the thoughtful gesture.
Style was important to Kennedy, and even his wife Carolyn Bessette would help him decide what to wear to the games. Terenzio mentioned a casual outfit she chose, reminiscent of a laid-back sports fan—Bessette advised her to keep it simple yet stylish.
Terenzio later published a memoir titled “Fairytale Interrupted: A Memoir of Life, Love, and Loss,” reflecting on her unique friendship with Kennedy and the moments they shared.
The tickets to Celebrity Row were sometimes shared with David Pecker, CEO of Hachette Filipacchi, among others. Kennedy’s generosity extended so far that there was an incident at MSG where security questioned the authenticity of a ticket given to a friend. “They thought he had a fake ticket because he wasn’t John!” Terenzio recalled, a smile forming as she remembered the amusing misunderstanding.
