Tatiana Schlossberg, the granddaughter of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy and daughter of Caroline Kennedy, has passed away at the age of 35 after a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Her family announced her death through a statement on the Instagram account of the JFK Library Foundation.
Schlossberg, an accomplished environmental journalist, disclosed her diagnosis in an essay published in The New Yorker in late November 2024. She revealed that she had been diagnosed with a “rare mutation” of the illness shortly after the birth of her second child in May 2024. In her poignant piece, she reflected on the impact of her illness on her young family, particularly her children.
In the essay, Schlossberg shared her thoughts on facing the potential limitations of her future, stating, “During the latest clinical trial, my doctor told me that he could keep me alive for a year, maybe. My first thought was that my kids, whose faces live permanently on the inside of my eyelids, wouldn’t remember me.” This emotional acknowledgment underscores the deep connection she felt to her children and the profound sadness of leaving them at such a young age.
Schlossberg expressed concerns about the memories her children might hold of her, especially her daughter, who she felt she could not adequately care for due to the risks associated with her treatments. “I didn’t ever really get to take care of my daughter — I couldn’t change her diaper or give her a bath or feed her,” she wrote. “I was gone for almost half of her first year of life.”
Her reflections highlight the struggle of living in the present while grappling with the uncertainty of her future. She poignantly noted, “Being in the present is harder than it sounds, so I let the memories come and go.”
Tatiana Schlossberg is survived by her husband, George Moran, and their two young children. Her passing is a significant loss not only to her family but also to the environmental journalism community, where she was known for her commitment to addressing pressing ecological issues.
The news of her death has drawn tributes from across the spectrum, reflecting on her legacy and the impact of her work. Schlossberg’s family, including her parents and siblings, have expressed their grief while celebrating her life and contributions.
As the world reflects on her untimely passing, the story of Tatiana Schlossberg serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring bonds of family.
