Tatiana Schlossberg Kennedy, Noted Environmental Journalist, Dies at 35

Tatiana Schlossberg, a journalist and granddaughter of President John F. Kennedy, has died. She was 35 years old. Her passing was confirmed on Tuesday by the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.

Schlossberg publicly shared her terminal cancer diagnosis just one month ago. Her deeply personal essay in The New Yorker resonated with readers worldwide for its raw honesty.

A Harrowing Battle With Acute Myeloid Leukemia

In her November essay, Schlossberg detailed discovering her illness. She learned of alarming blood test results just hours after giving birth to her daughter in May 2024. Doctors soon confirmed it was acute myeloid leukemia with a rare mutation.

She described the surreal shift from joy to devastation. Her newborn was taken to the nursery while she was wheeled away for immediate treatment. Schlossberg wrote that she felt healthy and strong, making the diagnosis impossible to believe.

Her treatment was grueling. It involved months of chemotherapy and two stem cell transplants, one from her sister. She endured immense physical pain and the emotional agony of being separated from her infant due to infection risks.

According to her account in The New Yorker, brief periods of remission were followed by relapse. Her doctors ultimately told her the cancer could not be cured. Schlossberg’s focus turned to creating memories for her two young children.

Legacy as a Writer and Environmental Advocate

Beyond her personal story, Schlossberg built a respected career in journalism. She was a former researcher for The New York Times and a contributor to major publications like The Atlantic. Her work consistently focused on climate change and environmental policy.

In 2019, she authored the book “Inconspicuous Consumption.” It explored the hidden environmental costs of everyday modern life. The book established her as a clear-eyed and accessible voice on complex ecological issues.

Her death is a profound loss for her family and the journalism community. She is remembered for her intellect, wit, and courage in facing her illness. Her final essay stands as a powerful testament to her writing talent and humanity.

The passing of Tatiana Schlossberg Kennedy leaves a void in environmental journalism. Her brave narrative about mortality continues to impact readers globally.

Thought you’d like to know

What type of cancer did Tatiana Schlossberg have?

She was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Her cancer involved a specific rare mutation called Inversion 3, which made it difficult to treat with standard therapies.

Where was her illness announced?

Schlossberg revealed her diagnosis in a first-person essay titled “A Battle With My Blood.” It was published by The New Yorker magazine on November 22, 2024.

What was her professional background?

She was an environmental journalist and author. She worked for The New York Times and wrote for The Atlantic and Washington Post. Her 2019 book examined the hidden environmental impact of daily life.

How did her family show support?

Her sister, Rose, donated cells for a stem cell transplant. Her son and brother also showed solidarity by wearing scarves when her hair fell out from chemotherapy treatments.

Why did her essay gain significant attention?

The writing was celebrated for its unflinching honesty and literary quality. It framed a devastating personal tragedy within a moment of new motherhood, creating a powerful and relatable narrative for many.