An amazing association from the archives of The Tonight Show host and Johnny Carson predecessor Jack Paar. In the archive, Jackie Kennedy writes the most poignant letter extant concerning John-John and his father, Jack. Joe, Sr. credits Paar with winning Jack the election, and Bobby writes a TLS and an ANS after JFK's assassination.The ALS from Jackie is written on blue stationery, and reads: "October 10, 1966 Dear Mr. Paar: I just wanted to tell you how much your television program meant to me and to my children. I debated so much whether I should let them see it or not - as I did not know if I would be up to watching it with them. Now I am so glad I did. Can you imagine what it means to John to hear his father talking to him and his own voice answering - on a subject which interest him passionately? I wondered if it would be possible to put that part of the sound track - with your voice explaining it - on a little record that I could keep to play for John? It will mean so much to him now - but I think it will mean even more when he is older. It will tell him, better than a thousand pictures and my words ever could, how much his father loved him and always kept him underfoot, no matter what affairs of state were going on. I know how much time you spent preparing for that hour - I am sure it meant a lot to everyone who loved President Kennedy - but I did want you to know what it meant to us. Thank you. Sincerely, Jacqueline Kennedy". Included in this archive is the video of the interview that Jackie references in her letter. The TLS from Joseph Kennedy Sr., is dated December 12, 1960, and reads: "Dear Jack: I am today in receipt of a telegram which you sent from Honolulu on November 9. It was mixed up with Jack's 45,000 wires, and I finally got it here at the Cape on Friday. I want you to know that I have come to the conclusion that you are one man that I know who should always follow his heart and not his head,because while I listened to the show from Hawaii in which you opened the envelope announcing your choice as President, I laughed heartily, because I don't know anybody who did more, indirectly, to have Jack elected than your own good self. I know that you didn't do this deliberately, because you have protested time and time again that you have to stay neutral. But if we had had five more Jack Paars in the United States--neutral as they must be--we wouldn't have had to wait almost 24 hours before we knew we were elected. So at this time, I thank you very much for your thoughtfulness in sending the wire, and for the great "neutral" help you gave us in the campaign. And please don't ever change your format on your show. People follow a lot of one-show-a-week programs, and I have yet to meet anybody who started looking at your show who doesn't become an addict. With my warmest personal regards, in which I know all the Kennedys join me. Sincerely yours, (signed) Joseph P. Kennedy". Also included is a condolence acknowledgment signed by Bobby Kennedy with an ANS, a telegram sent to Paar from Jack Kennedy dated July 8, 1960, and a memorium card of John Kennedy. In fine condition. COA John Reznikoff/University Archives and RRAuction COA.
