Tatiana Schlossberg, the middle child of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg, died Tuesday, Dec. 30, at age 35, the JFK Library Foundation announced.
Schlossberg, a writer and environmental advocate, had publicly revealed in November 2025 that she was battling acute myeloid leukemia, a rare blood cancer diagnosed shortly after the birth of her second child.
Her death adds a personal loss to the Kennedy family, which has previously endured multiple high profile tragedies.
Schlossberg, who married George Moran in 2017, shared her leukemia diagnosis in an essay published in The New Yorker.
She described being diagnosed after what she initially considered a routine postpartum hospital stay. Doctors found the cancer while she was recovering from giving birth to her daughter.
Schlossberg underwent months of chemotherapy and bone marrow transplants, with stem cells donated by her older sister Rose. Her younger brother Jack also participated in the transplant process as a half match donor.
Her essay highlighted the support she received from her family during treatment, including her parents Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg.
Schlossberg reflected on the burden of her illness on her family, noting the generations of grief the Kennedy family has experienced, including the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and the death of John F. Kennedy Jr. in a plane crash.
Medical experts note that acute myeloid leukemia is an aggressive form of cancer that requires prompt treatment, often including chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation.
Dr. Linda Chen, an oncologist at Boston Medical Center, said, “AML can progress rapidly, and early diagnosis and intervention are crucial. The stress of postpartum recovery combined with leukemia presents significant medical challenges.”
Schlossberg’s essay also indirectly raised public attention to healthcare policy, citing her concerns over the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to a government health position and its potential impact on funding for medical research, including cancer treatments.
Health policy analysts suggest that high-profile cases like Schlossberg’s can influence public discourse about research funding and access to life saving drugs.
Acute myeloid leukemia affects approximately 20,000 people in the United States annually, with survival rates varying by age and treatment access.
According to the American Cancer Society, adults under 40 have a five year survival rate of around 60 percent, but the disease remains difficult to treat.
High profile cases of leukemia in young adults are rare and often bring additional public attention to both treatment challenges and research funding.
Historically, the Kennedy family has been linked to advocacy in health, education, and public service, which has amplified public interest in Schlossberg’s illness and death.
Her passing marks one of several personal losses the family has faced over decades, highlighting both the human and public dimensions of such health crises.
Public reactions on social media highlighted condolences and reflections on Schlossberg’s writing and environmental advocacy.
Local voices in New York, where she lived with her family, praised her commitment to ocean conservation and her efforts to balance a professional and family life under challenging circumstances.
“Tatiana’s work on climate issues inspired many young researchers,” said Dr. Michael Reyes, a fellow environmental writer.
Friends and colleagues emphasized Schlossberg’s dedication to both her writing and family.
“She was incredibly thoughtful and always mindful of how her work could impact the next generation,” said Eleanor Simmons, a colleague from Yale.
Schlossberg’s death brings attention to ongoing discussions around funding for leukemia research and the availability of stem cell treatments.
Experts suggest that public awareness, especially when linked to high profile individuals, can drive legislative and philanthropic support for medical research. Her family has not announced any specific memorial plans or initiatives related to her advocacy work.
Tatiana Schlossberg’s death at age 35 represents a personal and public loss, connecting a young life cut short to broader discussions about leukemia, medical research, and family legacy.
Her work as a writer and environmental advocate, combined with her openness about her illness, leaves a record of both personal courage and public engagement. The Kennedy family and the wider community continue to reflect on the significance of her life and contributions.
