Caroline Kennedy, daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, delivered a poignant tribute to her deceased daughter, Tatiana Schlossberg, during the 2026 John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award ceremony held at the Kennedy Presidential Library on May 31. The event, which celebrates those who exhibit exceptional bravery in public service, featured an emotional start as Caroline reflected on her daughter, who passed away at the age of 35 after a battle with acute myeloid leukaemia.
Opening her speech, Caroline expressed her deep sorrow and pride in Tatiana’s contributions to their family legacy. Tatiana, remembered for her commitment to environmental journalism, was an active member of the library’s board, a role that underscored her dedication to the values her grandparents championed. The audience, composed of over 650 guests, applauded in remembrance of Tatiana for nearly 20 seconds, prompting Caroline to thank them, her voice quavering with emotion.
Tatiana Schlossberg’s struggles with illness became a focal point in the months leading to her death on December 30, 2025. In a deeply personal essay written shortly before her passing, she highlighted her experiences navigating her disease while critiquing the actions of her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. During her time in hospital, Tatiana publically articulated her concerns regarding RFK Jr.’s controversial stances on public health, specifically targeting funding cuts to medical research and the implications of such choices on the healthcare landscape.
At the ceremony, Caroline also acknowledged the presence of Tatiana’s in-laws, Garrett and Mary Moran, who joined the gathering for the first time. She expressed her gratitude for the support offered by family members over the years, which she described as integral in keeping her father’s spirit alive within the institution.
Throughout her tribute, Caroline spoke of the invaluable lessons imparted by her family—principles of courage and kindness that Tatiana embodied during her lifetime. “We remember Tatiana,” she said, her voice strong yet tinged with grief. “She represented everything my parents stood for in her beautiful, amazing, and too-short life.”
In addition to the tribute to Tatiana, the event honoured individuals who stood against the Trump administration in various capacities. This year’s Profile in Courage Award recipients included the Twin Cities of Minnesota, recognised for their resistance to federal immigration policies, and former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, honored for his steadfast commitment to public service amidst significant challenges.
Caroline praised Powell for his unwavering dedication and the dignified manner with which he managed the turbulent political landscape. “His commitment to the public interest never wavered,” she asserted, highlighting the courage required to stand firm against pressures from political opposition.
The courage displayed by the residents of Minneapolis and St. Paul, particularly in response to the aggressive tactics employed by federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials, was also recognised. Caroline commended their efforts to mobilise their communities, advocating for the rights of immigrants while ensuring their safety during times of fear and uncertainty.
Remembering the tragic loss of two local citizens during the protests, Caroline dedicated a heartfelt moment to honour Renée Good and Alex Pretti, whose lives were lost due to confrontations with federal agents in January. Members of Good’s family were present at the ceremony, adding a personal touch to the tribute and reinforcing the shared grief and resilience of the community.
Following the tributes, Jack Schlossberg, Caroline’s son, took to the stage to introduce Powell. He expressed admiration for his mother’s strength and resilience, which have inspired him in navigating life’s difficulties. “Thank you to my amazing mother,” he said, acknowledging the legacy of courage in their family. He emphasised that the Profile in Courage Award is typically bestowed upon elected officials but underscored that Powell has exemplified the virtues associated with the honour during extraordinarily difficult times.
As the evening progressed, Powell reflected on the enduring impact of JFK’s legacy. Recalling the moment he learned of President Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, he shared how it inspired his own journey into public service. He concluded his comments with a powerful reminder from JFK’s inaugural speech, encapsulating the spirit of service and commitment that defined the evening.
The night served not only as a memorial for Tatiana Schlossberg but also as a celebration of courage in its many forms, highlighting the deep bonds of family and community in the pursuit of justice and the betterment of society.