When Clint Hill started working as part of President Eisenhower's security detail, he never imagined his life would take a turn toward Camelot. Yet, when Clint was reassigned to protect the incoming First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, he initially felt like it was a step backward. "I wasn’t very pleased with the assignment," Clint recalls in an exclusive interview with Closer. "And Jackie? Well, let’s just say she wasn’t exactly thrilled about having me around either. She seemed shy, quiet, and not particularly eager to engage with her Secret Service detail." But as they say, first impressions can be deceiving.
A Bond Forged Over Time
Over the course of four years, Clint and Jackie's relationship evolved from distant professionalism into something much deeper. Though he always addressed her as "Mrs. Kennedy," Clint, now 90, became more than just her bodyguard—he became her confidant and friend. In his new memoir, My Travels with Mrs. Kennedy, Clint shares intimate stories and over 200 rare photographs from their travels together. "We spent so much time together that we developed this unspoken connection," Clint explains. "We could communicate with just a look or a nod. It was incredible."
From Skepticism to Trust
At first, Jackie was understandably wary of having Clint around. After all, being constantly shadowed by a Secret Service agent can feel intrusive. But as Clint proved himself to be professional, discreet, and genuinely committed to her safety, Jackie began to let her guard down. "I realized early on that she was incredibly intelligent," Clint reflects. "She handled her role with grace, poise, and dignity. And as we traveled the world, she represented our country better than any official ambassador could have."
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Jackie: More Than Meets the Eye
While Jackie’s elegance and class have long been celebrated, Clint got to see another side of her during their travels. Whether it was official state visits or personal excursions, Clint witnessed her quick wit and playful sense of humor. "She loved to surprise people with her humor," Clint recalls. "For instance, in India, she bought a series of Kama Sutra paintings and hung them in the dining room of their Virginia home. I think it was done for shock value!"
Jackie also had a great sense of adventure. On one memorable trip to Pakistan with her sister, Lee Radziwill, the women were invited to ride camels. When Jackie, an experienced horsewoman, touched the reins, the camel grew agitated. "Lee starts screaming," Clint laughs. "And Jackie? She’s laughing so hard she can barely stand up. It was a moment that showed her true spirit."
A Mother Above All Else
Though Jackie enjoyed the perks of travel during her time as First Lady, Clint notes that her happiest moments were spent with her family. "She absolutely glowed when President Kennedy was able to spend time with her and the kids," Clint says. In his memoir, Clint includes several photos capturing these special moments, such as Jackie teaching Caroline how to water-ski or riding horses with her family. "My favorite memories of her are the ones where she’s away from the spotlight—just being a mom and a wife," Clint shares.
As a mother, Jackie was both nurturing and strict about manners. "She insisted that Caroline and John say 'please' and 'thank you,' and always address adults properly," Clint explains. But Jackie also wanted her children to have normal childhood experiences. "She didn’t want us hovering over them all the time," Clint remembers. "She believed they should learn things on their own without being given special treatment."
Tragedy and Resilience
On November 22, 1963, Clint’s life—and the nation’s—was forever changed by the assassination of President Kennedy. Clint’s actions that day were immortalized in the Zapruder film. "I ran to the car after the first shots rang out," Clint recounts. "I pushed Jackie back inside and shielded her and the president with my body as we rushed to the hospital." Despite his bravery, Clint struggled with feelings of failure in the aftermath. He battled depression and even contemplated taking his own life, but he remained a loyal friend to Jackie, continuing to serve her for another year after the tragedy.
"After the assassination, Jackie became a role model for the entire country," Clint says. "She helped carry us through our grief." When Jackie moved to Manhattan with her children in 1964, Clint was transferred by the Secret Service. As they parted ways, Jackie gifted him a scrapbook titled The Travels of Clinton J. Hill. Filled with photos and humorous captions from their adventures, it remains a cherished keepsake for Clint. "I think she’d be amazed to know that people still admire her so deeply, even decades after her passing," he reflects.
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