The gravity of Kennedy's condition was not detailed in the daily press, but the news traveled in New York society. When Kennedy's condition improved slightly, Grace sent a note to Jackie, asking if she could visit the hospital. Mrs. Kennedy thought this was a marvelous idea, and she invited Grace to arrive wearing a nurse's uniform, for Jack had complained that all the nurses were homely old crones. Grace arrived to find a platoon of bustling attendants hovering over a bone-thin, frail and ashen patient; he was thirty-seven, but he looked much older-nothing like the picture of glowing energy normally presented by the media.
The severity of Kennedy's illness was not publicly detailed, but it was known within New York society. As his condition showed slight improvement, Grace Kelly reached out to Jackie Kennedy, suggesting she visit the hospital. Jackie appreciated the gesture and invited Grace to come dressed as a nurse, joking about Jack's preference for more attractive nurses.
When Grace arrived, she saw Kennedy surrounded by busy attendants, looking extremely frail and pale. Despite being only thirty-seven, he appeared much older and totally unlike his usual energetic media image. Kennedy's condition was clearly serious, emphasizing the toll his illness was taking on him physically.
