At a Glance
- Tatiana Schlossberg died at 35 after a brief battle with acute myeloid leukemia.
- Diagnosed on May 25, 2024 while giving birth to her second child.
- Family announced her passing on Tuesday, expressing deep grief.
Why it matters: Her death highlights the sudden impact of rare cancers and underscores the legacy of a prominent journalist and Kennedy family member.
Tatiana Schlossberg, the environmental journalist and granddaughter of former President John F. Kennedy, passed away Tuesday after a brief but intense fight with a rare form of leukemia. The 35-year-old left behind a family, a career, and a legacy of environmental advocacy.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Schlossberg revealed her diagnosis in a November 22 article in The New Yorker, noting the rare Inversion 3 mutation that drives her disease. She was first flagged when a doctor noticed an abnormally high white-blood-cell count during a routine check after giving birth. She spent five weeks at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital before starting home chemotherapy and later receiving a bone-marrow transplant.
While undergoing a CAR T-cell trial, she reflected on the psychological toll of a terminal diagnosis and the fear that her children might not remember her.
Tatiana Schlossberg wrote:
> “During the latest clinical trial, my doctor told me that he could keep me alive for a year, maybe.”
Tatiana Schlossberg wrote:
> “I watched from my hospital bed as Bobby, in the face of logic and common sense, was confirmed for the position, despite never having worked in medicine, public health, or the government.”
Tatiana Schlossberg wrote:
> “an embarrassment to me and the rest of my family” about Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
She also criticized cousin Robert F. Kennedy Jr., calling him an embarrassment to her family as he ran for president in 2024.
Life and Career
Schlossberg was a respected environmental journalist, writing for The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post. She authored Inconspicuous Consumption: The Environmental Impact You Don’t Know You Have (2019) and completed a 30-mile, 7-hour cross-country ski race in Wisconsin.
Family and Legacy
She was the daughter of artist Edwin Schlossberg and diplomat Caroline Kennedy, the eldest child of John F. Kennedy. Her family shared a heartfelt tribute, stating, “Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts.”
Key Takeaways
- Tatiana Schlossberg died at 35 after a brief battle with a rare form of leukemia.
- She was a prominent environmental journalist with a notable career and family legacy.
- Her passing underscores the fragility of life and the impact of rare cancers.
Tatiana’s passing reminds us of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of her work.
