Environmental journalist Tatiana Schlossberg, 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."
Schlossberg, daughter of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, revealed her diagnosis in a November 2025 essay published in The New Yorker, detailing her experience with the disease. 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 the rapid growth of 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. Schlossberg noted in her essay that her AML presented with a rare mutation typically seen in older individuals.
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. Stem cell transplants are often used in AML treatment to replace damaged bone marrow with healthy cells. Chemotherapy aims to kill cancerous cells, but can also damage healthy cells, necessitating supportive treatments like stem cell transplants.
"The treatments for AML can be very aggressive," explained Dr. Sarah Larson, a hematologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, who was not involved in Schlossberg's care. "While they can be effective in achieving remission, they also carry significant risks and side effects. The specific approach depends on the patient's age, overall health, and the specific characteristics of their leukemia."
Schlossberg's passing marks another tragic loss for the Kennedy family, who have faced numerous public and private tragedies throughout their history. Her work as an environmental journalist focused on the intersection of climate change and policy, reflecting a commitment to public service that echoed her family's legacy.
The family statement did not disclose the location of her death or provide further details regarding memorial arrangements. In her essay, Schlossberg wrote that during her most recent clinical trial, her doctor told her he could keep her alive for perhaps another year.
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