An American Presidential Icon
The Official Kennedy Rocker®
Few pieces of American furniture carry a story quite like the Official Kennedy Rocker®. Closely associated with President John F. Kennedy and his longtime struggle with back discomfort, this distinctive cane rocker became an enduring symbol of his presidency. Today, Troutman Chair Company continues the tradition with steam bent wood, handwoven natural cane, traditional interlocking joinery, and the unmistakable profile that made this rocker part of American history.
A Rocker with Presidential History
President John F. Kennedy became closely associated with this style of rocking chair while dealing with longstanding back problems. His physician, Dr. Janet Travell, introduced him to the rocker, and it became one of the most recognizable pieces of furniture connected with his presidency.
Handwoven Natural Cane
The natural cane seat and back are woven in the mountains of North Carolina, creating a supportive surface with the characteristic firmness, flexibility, and gentle spring that make traditional cane seating so distinctive.
Steam Bent for Shaped Comfort
Steam bent back posts and a gracefully curved back create the characteristic sitting angle and supportive profile that distinguish the Kennedy Rocker from an ordinary flat backed wooden chair.
Traditional American Construction
Interlocking joinery and swelled joint construction create strong wood connections without relying on glue, while the turned front posts and rungs preserve the traditional craftsmanship and visual character of this historic design.
A Piece of American History
John F. Kennedy suffered from serious back problems for much of his adult life. His physician, Dr. Janet Travell, kept a rocking chair in her New York office. In an oral history preserved by the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library, Dr. Travell recalled that Kennedy sat in her rocker, found it remarkably comfortable, and asked why he could not have one of his own.
Rocking chairs later became closely associated with Kennedy, appearing with him during his years in public life and becoming an instantly recognizable part of his image as President. The design remains one of the most distinctive intersections of American furniture making and presidential history.
Handcrafted in North Carolina
Troutman Chair Company has been crafting furniture in North Carolina since 1924. The Official Kennedy Rocker® continues that tradition with shaped wood components, traditional joinery, carefully turned details, and natural cane woven by skilled craftspeople in the North Carolina mountains.
It is furniture meant to be more than decorative. It is made to be sat in, rocked in, remembered, and passed from one generation to the next.
Product Details
| Back Height 45 1/2" from floor to top of post | Seat Height 16" at rest | Seat Size 22 1/2" at widest point × 17 1/4" deep |
| Arm Width 4" | Inside Arm Room 19 5/8" at front × 17 7/8" at back | Overall Size 32" front to back × 27 3/4" at widest point |
| Weight Approximately 35 lbs. | Assembly None required | Recommended Use Indoor |
Arrives Fully Assembled and Ready to Rock
The Official Kennedy Rocker® arrives fully assembled. There are no rocker runners to attach and no furniture assembly to complete, making it especially well suited as a memorable wedding, retirement, anniversary, Father's Day, presidential history, or heirloom gift.
Available Finishes
Choose from four traditional wood finishes selected to complement the natural woven cane and timeless character of the Official Kennedy Rocker®.
Natural 
Cherry 
Village Oak 
Harvest Oak Finish swatches are provided as a guide. Natural variations in wood and cane, along with differences between screen displays, can affect how colors appear.
Helpful Resources
Learn More Before You Order
Compare the Kennedy design with other rocker styles, review its traditional finish choices, and explore the North Carolina craftsmanship behind the chair.
Manufacturer Frame Warranty Information
Troutman Chair Company states on its website that its chairs come with a lifetime frame warranty. Read the manufacturer's published statement.
This statement refers to the frame. It does not specify coverage for the Kennedy Rocker's cane seat and back, finishes, freight or transportation costs, or other components. The public statement also does not provide the full eligibility requirements, claim procedure, remedies or exclusions.
Contact us before ordering for help confirming the current written warranty terms with Troutman, including coverage for your intended use and any costs associated with a claim.
Made to Order in North Carolina
Free Standard Shipping in the Contiguous 48 States
Each Official Kennedy Rocker® is made with the time and attention this historic piece of American furniture deserves. Please allow approximately 3 to 12 weeks for production and delivery.
Your rocker arrives fully assembled and ready to enjoy. Free standard shipping is included within the contiguous 48 states. Alaska and Hawaii orders require an additional shipping charge quoted manually; contact us for a quote before ordering.
Standard freight delivery is curbside. Without liftgate service, you are responsible for unloading the furniture from the truck and arranging any help needed. Drivers may assist at their discretion, but assistance is not guaranteed. Liftgate service and inside delivery are available for an additional charge and must be arranged in advance. Review our full shipping and delivery policy.
Request volume pricing for larger residential, hospitality, and commercial orders. Pricing is based on the product, quantity, and delivery location. Contact us for a quote.
More than a place to sit, the Official Kennedy Rocker® brings together presidential history, North Carolina craftsmanship, natural cane, and one of America's most recognizable rocking chair designs in a piece made to remain part of the family for generations.
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