At a Glance
- Tatiana Schlossberg, 35, died after battling acute myeloid leukemia.
- She was a granddaughter of John F. Kennedy and a former New York Times journalist.
- She publicly revealed her diagnosis in a New Yorker essay on Nov. 22, 2024.
- Why it matters: Her death highlights the personal toll of cancer on public figures and families.
Tatiana Schlossberg, a 35-year-old environmental journalist and Kennedy family member, died after a brief but intense battle with acute myeloid leukemia. Her family announced the loss on Tuesday, following her public disclosure of the disease in November. The story underscores how cancer can strike even those who have led active, high-profile lives.
Life and Career
Schlossberg worked for The New York Times, The Atlantic, and The Washington Post, and published the 2019 book Inconspicuous Consumption. She completed a 30-mile, 7-hour cross-country ski race in Wisconsin for a story. Her work focused on the environmental impact of everyday consumption.
- Former New York Times environmental journalist
- Author of Inconspicuous Consumption
- Contributor to The Atlantic and The Washington Post
- Completed a 30-mile ski race for a feature story
Diagnosis and Treatment
The diagnosis was made on May 25, 2024, when a doctor noted her high white-blood-cell count after she gave birth to her second child. She spent five weeks at Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital, then began home chemotherapy and later received a bone-marrow transplant.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Birth of second child & diagnosis | May 25, 2024 |
| Hospital stay at Columbia-Presbyterian | 5 weeks after May 25 |
| Home chemotherapy | After hospital stay |
| Bone-marrow transplant | Later in 2024 |
| Death | Tuesday, 2024 |
Tatiana Schlossberg wrote:
> “During the latest clinical trial, my doctor told me that he could keep me alive for a year, maybe.”
She reflected on the psychological toll of a terminal illness while raising a young family, writing that her memories might be lost and she feared her children would not remember her.
Tatiana Schlossberg added:
> “Maybe my brain is replaying my life now because I have a terminal diagnosis, and all these memories will be lost.”
Public Statements and Legacy
Schlossberg criticized her cousin, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., calling him an embarrassment when he ran for president in 2024. She noted her concern about vaccine access while immunocompromised.
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.”
Her family posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, declaring, “Our beautiful Tatiana passed away this morning. She will always be in our hearts.”
Key Takeaways
- Tatiana Schlossberg died at 35 after acute myeloid leukemia.
- She was a prominent environmental journalist and Kennedy family member.
- Her public reflections highlight the emotional impact of terminal illness on families.
Her death is a stark reminder of how quickly cancer can claim even those who have lived vibrant, public lives.
