Tatiana Schlossberg, environmental journalist and granddaughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, died Tuesday at the age of 35, following a battle with acute myeloid leukemia. The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation announced her death in a statement posted on social media, saying, "Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts." The statement did not specify the location of her death.
Schlossberg revealed her diagnosis in a November 2025 essay published in The New Yorker, detailing that she was diagnosed in May 2024, at age 34, shortly after the birth of her second child when a doctor noticed an elevated white blood cell count. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow characterized by a rapid increase in abnormal white blood cells that interfere with the production of normal blood cells. According to the National Cancer Institute, AML is relatively rare, with the highest incidence occurring in older adults.
In her essay, titled "A Battle With My Blood," Schlossberg described undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy, two stem cell transplants, and participation in clinical trials. She noted that her specific case involved a rare mutation more commonly found in older individuals. Stem cell transplants are often used in AML treatment to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy cells, allowing for the production of normal blood cells. Chemotherapy aims to kill cancerous cells, but can also damage healthy cells in the process.
Dr. Emily Harrison, a hematologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, explained that while AML can be aggressive, advancements in treatment, including targeted therapies and stem cell transplantation, have improved outcomes for some patients. "The specific genetic mutations present in AML cases can significantly influence treatment response and prognosis," Dr. Harrison said. "Identifying these mutations is crucial for tailoring treatment strategies."
Tatiana Schlossberg was the daughter of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg. Her work as an environmental journalist focused on the intersection of climate change and policy. Her passing marks another loss for the Kennedy family, who have experienced numerous tragedies throughout their history. At the time of her essay, Schlossberg wrote that her doctor had indicated that further treatment might extend her life by approximately one year.
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