Tatiana Schlossberg, JFK’s Granddaughter and Acclaimed Writer, Dies at 35 After Battle With Rare Leukemia

Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of former United States President John F. Kennedy and a respected journalist, passed away on Tuesday following a courageous battle with an uncommon and aggressive form of leukemia. She was 35 years old.

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum announced her death through a social media statement, expressing deep sorrow and honoring her life, work, and resilience. The news has sent waves of grief through literary, journalistic, and political circles in the United States.

Schlossberg had publicly disclosed her diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with a rare genetic mutation in a deeply personal essay published in The New Yorker in November. Acute myeloid leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, and the specific mutation she was diagnosed with is more commonly found in older patients, making her case particularly unusual.

In her essay, Schlossberg revealed that she was diagnosed in May 2024, shortly after the birth of her second child, when she was just 34 years old. What began as a routine medical checkup led doctors to discover an abnormally high white blood cell count, ultimately uncovering the life-threatening disease.

Tatiana Schlossberg was the daughter of Caroline Kennedy, former US ambassador and the only surviving child of President John F. Kennedy, and Edwin Schlossberg, a renowned designer and artist. She wrote candidly about how publishing her essay on the 62nd anniversary of her grandfather’s assassination carried profound emotional significance for her and her family.

A professional environmental writer and journalist, Schlossberg was known for her thoughtful reporting on climate change, sustainability, and public policy. Her writing blended scientific rigor with deeply human storytelling, earning her respect across media platforms.

In her final months, Schlossberg detailed the physical and emotional toll of her illness, describing grueling rounds of chemotherapy, extended hospital stays, and two stem cell transplants. One transplant came from an unrelated donor, while the second was from her sister, underscoring the critical role of family support in her fight for survival.

She also participated in experimental research trials in hopes of extending her life and contributing to scientific understanding of the disease. In one particularly raw and honest moment, Schlossberg recalled a conversation with her doctor during one such trial, when she was told that the treatment might keep her alive “for a year, maybe.”

That moment, she wrote, was devastating in its clarity, yet emblematic of the transparency with which she chose to confront her illness. Her willingness to share her journey publicly brought attention to rare blood cancers and the urgent need for medical research and donor awareness.

Tatiana Schlossberg’s passing marks a profound loss not only for the Kennedy family but also for journalism and environmental advocacy. Remembered for her intellect, empathy, and quiet strength, she leaves behind her husband, children, and a body of work that continues to resonate with readers around the world.

Her life, though tragically short, stands as a testament to resilience, honesty, and the power of storytelling even in the face of unimaginable adversity.