At a Glance
- Tatiana Schlossberg, 35, died after a battle with acute myeloid leukemia.
- She was a granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy and an environmental journalist.
- Tributes from family highlight her courage and dedication to the planet.
- Why it matters: Her death underscores the impact of rare cancers and the legacy of public service.
Tatiana Schlossberg, 35, granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy and environmental journalist, died after a battle with acute myeloid leukemia. The family announced her passing via a statement from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation. Her work focused on climate change and the environment, earning her a national award.
Illness and Treatment
Tatiana was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia in May 2024 at 34. While hospitalized for her second child’s birth, a high white blood cell count led to the diagnosis. She underwent chemotherapy, two stem cell transplants, and participated in clinical trials.
Key Facts
- Diagnosis: May 2024
- Treatments: chemotherapy, two stem cell transplants, clinical trials
- Prognosis: doctor’s estimate of one year during latest trial
Quotes
Maria Shriver stated:
> “She loved her life, and she fought like hell to try to save it.”
Tatiana Schlossberg wrote in her November 2025 essay:
> “For my whole life, I have tried to be good, to be a good student and a good sister and a good daughter, and to protect my mother and never make her upset or angry.”
> “Now I have added a new tragedy to her life, to our family’s life, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it.”
Legacy and Tributes
Tatiana’s book Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact You Don’t Know You Have won the Society of Environmental Journalists’ Rachel Carson Environment Book Award in 2020. Her essays in The New Yorker highlighted her fear of being forgotten by her children and her dedication to environmental education.
Family Tributes
- Maria Shriver called her “the light, the humor, the joy” and praised her use of words to educate about the earth.
- Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg issued a brief statement acknowledging her passing.
Family History
The Schlossberg family has endured multiple tragedies: the 1963 assassination of President Kennedy, the 1968 murder of Robert F. Kennedy, and the 1999 plane crash that killed John F. Kennedy Jr. and others. Tatiana’s mother, Caroline Kennedy, was 5 when her father was killed and 10 when her uncle was murdered.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| JFK assassination | 1963 |
| RFK assassination | 1968 |
| JFK Jr. plane crash | 1999 |
| Tatiana’s diagnosis | May 2024 |
| Tatiana’s death | 2025 |
Key Takeaways
- Tatiana Schlossberg’s death at 35 highlights the seriousness of acute myeloid leukemia.
- Her environmental journalism earned her national recognition and a lasting legacy.
- Family tributes underscore her impact as a daughter, sister, and advocate for the planet.
The story of Tatiana Schlossberg reminds us of the personal cost of rare cancers and the enduring influence of a life dedicated to environmental stewardship.
