In the aftermath of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination, his widow, Jacqueline Kennedy, faces the daunting task of preserving his legacy while grappling with her own profound grief. The narrative unfolds through an interview that Jackie gives to a journalist, allowing her to recount the harrowing events surrounding her husband's death and the intense days that followed. She reflects on her role as First Lady, particularly her efforts to restore the White House's historical integrity and her famous televised tour of the residence. As she navigates the political and personal fallout, Jackie strives to balance her composed public persona with her inner turmoil and vulnerability.

Amidst the chaos and overwhelming media attention, Jackie contends with being uprooted from her home, comforting her young children, and planning an elaborate funeral procession to honor JFK's memory appropriately. The film scrutinizes her relationships with close confidants, such as her brother-in-law Robert Kennedy and her social secretary Nancy Tuckerman, highlighting the support and tension in these bonds. With meticulous attention to detail and a reflective tone, the story delves into Jackie's struggle to maintain her family’s dignity and her concerted efforts to cement JFK's legacy in American history, all while coming to terms with her new role in the post-assassination era.