"She fought like a warrior": Maria Shriver mourns cousin Tatiana Schlossberg as she dies at 35 following cancer battle

Maria Shriver is mourning the death of her cousin, Tatiana Schlossberg, who died on Tuesday, December 30, after battling cancer. Schlossberg was 35. She was the granddaughter of former President John F. Kennedy and the daughter of Caroline Kennedy and Edwin Schlossberg.

The news of her death came just over a month after Schlossberg revealed her diagnosis in an essay for The New Yorker. In the piece, she shared that she had been diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia and described her treatment journey. The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation confirmed her passing in a statement shared Tuesday morning.

Following the announcement, Shriver shared an emotional tribute on social media. She posted several photos from different stages of Schlossberg’s life and wrote a long message honoring her cousin, her family, and the fight she put up against the disease.

Maria Shriver’s tribute to her cousin, Tatiana Schlossberg

Shriver opened her post by expressing deep grief over Schlossberg’s death. She wrote:

“I return to this space today to pay tribute to my sweet, beloved Tatiana, who left this earth today.”

She also shared her heartbreak over how much Schlossberg valued life:

“I return to this space heartbroken because Tatiana loved life. She loved her life, and she fought like hell to try to save it.”

Shriver was clear about her struggle to understand the loss. She noted:

“I cannot make sense of this. I cannot make any sense of it at all. None. Zero.”

Her message reflected confusion and pain, without trying to explain the situation or soften it. She also praised Schlossberg’s strength during her illness. Shriver wrote:

“She fought like a warrior. She was valiant, strong, courageous.”

She spoke about Schlossberg’s work as a journalist and environmental writer, saying her cousin used her voice to inform and educate others.

Also Read: Tatiana Schlossberg, granddaughter of John F. Kennedy, dies at 35

Family, legacy, and a public goodbye

Shriver highlighted the family support that surrounded Schlossberg. She wrote that the family did everything possible to help her. She also shared support for Caroline Kennedy, calling her a steady presence during this time. Shriver mentioned Tatiana Schlossberg’s doctors and caregivers, acknowledging their role in her care.

In her tribute, Shriver spoke about Schlossberg’s immediate family. She wrote:

“She created a beautiful life with her extraordinary husband George, and children Eddie and Josie.”

Toward the end of the post, Shriver promised that the family would help care for the children:

“Those of us left behind will make sure Eddie and Josie know what a beautiful, courageous spirit their mother was and will always be.”

Shriver also encouraged people to read Tatiana Schlossberg’s essay. She repeated her earlier praise, calling it meaningful and honest. She ended her post with a message to readers:

“Please pause and honor your life. It truly is such a gift.”

She also asked followers to pray for Schlossberg and her family, writing:

“Whatever your faith, please pray for Tatiana and her grieving family.”

Also Read: What was Tatiana Schlossberg's debut book? Career highlights explored following her death at 35

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