Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, has died at the age of 35 after a battle with cancer. Her family announced her passing on Tuesday, stating, “Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts.” Schlossberg had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a serious form of blood cancer, which was confirmed shortly after she gave birth to her second child on May 25, 2024.
In a poignant essay published in The New Yorker on November 22, Schlossberg revealed that her diagnosis followed the discovery of an abnormally high white blood cell count during a routine check. She spent five weeks at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital in New York, undergoing treatment that included chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant. Reflecting on her condition, she noted, “During the latest clinical trial, my doctor told me that he could keep me alive for a year, maybe.”
Schlossberg, the daughter of artist Edwin Schlossberg and Caroline Kennedy, the eldest child of John F. Kennedy, was known for her work as an environmental journalist. She contributed to notable publications such as The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post. Her 2019 book, Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact You Don’t Know You Have, highlighted the often-overlooked effects of consumer habits on the environment.
In her writing, Schlossberg eloquently discussed the emotional challenges of facing terminal illness while raising young children. She expressed her fears, stating, “My first thought was that my kids, whose faces live permanently on the inside of my eyelids, wouldn’t remember me.” Her reflections illustrated the profound psychological toll that her diagnosis took on her life.
Schlossberg had an active lifestyle prior to her diagnosis, even swimming a mile the day before giving birth. Her unexpected illness left her grappling with disbelief, as she had always prioritized her health. She also voiced criticism of her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who served as U.S. Health Secretary. She described his presidential campaign in 2024 as “an embarrassment to me and the rest of my family,” particularly due to his controversial views on vaccines.
As she underwent treatment, Schlossberg observed her cousin’s confirmation to President Donald Trump‘s cabinet from her hospital bed. She expressed concern over his scepticism regarding vaccines, which heightened her anxiety as she faced the challenges of being immunocompromised and needing to update her childhood vaccinations.
The Kennedy family has a history marked by tragedy, including the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, as well as the 1999 plane crash that claimed the life of her uncle, John F. Kennedy Jr.. Tatiana Schlossberg’s passing at such a young age adds another chapter to this legacy of loss.
Her family and friends are mourning her death, remembering her not only for her lineage but also for her impactful work in journalism and her devotion to her family. Schlossberg’s legacy will be felt in the environmental discourse she championed and the love she imparted to those around her.
