Maria Shriver, the renowned journalist and former First Lady of California, has publicly expressed her profound admiration for her cousin, Tatiana Schlossberg, following Schlossberg's heartbreaking announcement of a terminal cancer diagnosis.
A Family's Public Support
Shriver, 70, used her social media platforms to direct her followers towards an essay written by her cousin, describing it as an "extraordinary piece of writing". She urged her audience, "If you can only read one thing today, please make/take the time for this", and stated she was "blown away" by the work of Schlossberg, who is 35.
The family connection is deeply rooted in American political history. Tatiana Schlossberg is the granddaughter of former President John F. Kennedy and the daughter of Shriver's first cousin, Caroline Kennedy, and Edwin Schlossberg.
The Poignant Diagnosis
In a devastating essay titled "A Battle With My Blood" published in The New Yorker on Saturday, Schlossberg revealed her diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. This rare cancer affects the blood and bone marrow.
The environmental journalist detailed how her health journey began when doctors discovered an abnormality in her white blood cell count after she gave birth to her daughter in May 2024. Despite undergoing treatments, she disclosed that the cancer has returned.
Schlossberg shared the grim prognosis she received from her doctor during a clinical trial: "he could keep me alive for a year, maybe". Her immediate thought was for her two young children, worrying that "they wouldn't remember me".
Waves of Public Tributes
The announcement has prompted an outpouring of support from public figures beyond the immediate family. Former TV host Katie Couric commented on Shriver's post, writing that her heart was "breaking for Tatiana" and that she and her daughters were "holding her in our hearts".
Meghan McCain described the essay as an "absolutely devastating and heartbreaking piece" on X, formerly known as Twitter, sending "prayers, healing and peace" to the entire family.
Schlossberg's brother, Jack Schlossberg, also shared the essay on his Instagram stories with a poignant message of his own: "Life is short — let it rip."
In her writing, Schlossberg expressed shock at her diagnosis, having always considered herself healthy. She also wrote candidly about the pain her illness has caused her family and criticised her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for his agenda in his role as health secretary.
