Caroline Kennedy Gives Daughter Tatiana Schlossberg, 35, a Heartbreaking Farewell: ‘Tragically, History Is Repeating Itself’

On a cold January afternoon, Caroline Kennedy and her family gathered in New York City to say goodbye to Tatiana Schlossberg, Caroline’s beloved daughter, who died at just 35 years old after a courageous battle with cancer. Caroline arrived at St. Ignatius Loyola Church with her husband, Ed Schlossberg, and their two other children, Rose and Jack. They were joined by Tatiana’s husband, George Moran, and the couple’s young children, Edwin and Josephine, who are only 3 and 1.

The loss of Tatiana is especially heartbreaking for Caroline, who has already endured more tragedy than most people could imagine. Over her lifetime, she lived through the assassinations of her father, President John F. Kennedy, and her uncle Robert F. Kennedy, as well as the fatal plane crash that took the life of her younger brother, John F. Kennedy Jr. Friends and historians note that this latest death may be the most difficult of all—losing her own child while two small grandchildren are left without their mother.

Tatiana had written openly about her illness in a moving essay late last year, acknowledging how painful the diagnosis was for both her and her family. After giving birth to Josephine in May 2024, she was unexpectedly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer. Despite being healthy and active—regularly running miles through Central Park—her life quickly became consumed by chemotherapy, stem cell transplants, infections, and clinical trials. Her sister Rose even served as a donor in one of the transplants, and her brother Jack shaved his head in solidarity.

As the disease progressed, Tatiana’s body weakened dramatically. Her husband and children moved into Caroline’s apartment so she could remain close to them, but she was often too fragile to care for or even hold them. She worried deeply that Josephine would never remember her and that Edwin might grow up confusing real memories with photographs and stories.

Beyond her famous lineage, Tatiana was an accomplished writer and environmental journalist in her own right. Raised in Manhattan and educated at Yale, Oxford, and Oxford University, she worked as a reporter before joining The New York Times as a climate journalist. Her 2019 book examined the hidden environmental impact of everyday life and reflected her lifelong passion for nature—an interest shaped by summers spent on Martha’s Vineyard with her grandmother, Jackie Kennedy.

In her final months, Tatiana focused on creating lasting memories with her children, treasuring even the smallest moments at home. Those who knew her remember her intelligence, humor, humility, and devotion to family. Now Caroline will take on the role her own mother once played—helping raise Tatiana’s children and ensuring they grow up knowing who their mother was.

Tatiana Schlossberg’s death marks another painful chapter for the Kennedy family, but her legacy as a writer, mother, and compassionate spirit will remain in the hearts of all who loved her.