Caroline Kennedy, the daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, recently made poignant comments about her renowned family during the JFK Profile in Courage Award ceremony held on May 31, 2026. The event took place at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, a site deeply intertwined with her father’s legacy.
At the ceremony, Caroline expressed her gratitude towards her husband, Ed Schlossberg, and paid a heartfelt tribute to her late daughter, Tatiana, who passed away late last year due to acute myeloid leukaemia. In a notable declaration, Caroline also commended her son, Jack Schlossberg, who is currently campaigning for a congressional seat in New York City. “I’m so proud of him for helping thousands of people believe in politics again, and I know my father would be too,” she remarked.
This occasion resonated with significance, as Caroline, who is the last surviving child of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, has consistently upheld her family’s commitment to public service. Each year, she presents the Profile in Courage Award to recognise acts of courage in the political realm, a concept her father deeply valued.
During her speech, Caroline acknowledged the collective efforts behind the award. Many individuals involved are related to her, underscoring the enduring legacy of the Kennedy family. She highlighted her partnership with Jack, referring to him as “my partner in the work of this award,” while applauding his advocacy for their family’s ideals.
Jack Schlossberg, aged 33, began his congressional campaign in November 2025, vying for the seat being vacated by Rep. Jerry Nadler in Manhattan. He aims to help restore a Democratic majority in Congress and has a clear agenda focused on addressing vital issues such as the cost of living, governmental corruption, and restoring faith in institutions. “There is nothing our party can’t do to address these issues, but without control of Congress, there’s almost nothing we can do,” he recently noted in an interview with The New York Times.
Caroline’s remarks at the Profile in Courage Award ceremony were infused with pride for her son, whose journey into public service echoes that of his grandfather, who started his political career in the House and Senate before ascending to the presidency. “I’m so proud of him for helping thousands of people believe in politics again,” she reiterated, embodying the spirit of her family’s dedication to civic responsibility.
Reflecting on the family’s history, Caroline and Jack have been navigating the aftermath of Tatiana’s untimely death, which has left an indelible mark on their lives. Two months after her passing, Caroline made a rare television appearance alongside Jack to lend support to his campaign, expressing confidence in his potential to connect with a new generation of voters. “He’s willing to take the consequences of what people think,” Caroline remarked, emphasising the importance of relatable and dynamic political discourse.
Tatiana Schlossberg himself had shared her own struggles with illness in a touching essay for The New Yorker, where she lamented the new tragedy within the family’s storied history. She expressed concern for her mother, Jacqueline, who faced immense loss early on and again with the death of her brother, John F. Kennedy Jr. “Now I have added a new tragedy to her life, to our family’s life, and there’s nothing I can do to stop it,” Tatiana wrote poignantly.
In light of these personal challenges, Caroline continues to embody resilience and dedication, both to her family’s legacy and to the principles of courage and public service championed by her father. The recent ceremony served not only as a testament to those values but also as a platform for the younger generation of the Kennedy family to engage with the political landscape enthusiastically.
In a time where public confidence in politics is waning, both Caroline and Jack Schlossberg embody a call to action for citizens to believe in their political system. Jack’s emerging role has sparked hope within many, reflecting the ongoing influence of the Kennedy family’s legacy in shaping American political life.