Rory Kennedy Reveals Heartfelt Reason Why She Won’t Watch JFK Jr. Series After Tatiana’s Passing

At the 2026 Sundance Film Festival, Rory Kennedy found herself in a uniquely personal position.

Known for her talent in storytelling, she was there to promote her new documentary, “Queen of Chess,” which chronicles the life of Hungarian chess champion Judith Pulga.

However, amidst the excitement of the festival, Rory faced questions about a subject that hits close to home: her cousin, John F. Kennedy Jr.

This year’s Sundance is particularly poignant, marking the festival’s last run in Park City, Utah, before its relocation to Boulder, Colorado, in 2027.

It’s also the first Sundance since the passing of founder Robert Redford, with tributes to his legacy woven throughout the opening weekend.

As Rory discussed her documentary, attention shifted to Ryan Murphy’s upcoming series centered on JFK Jr. and his wife, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

This project has already ignited significant conversation, and when asked about it, Rory’s response was candid and reflective.

“I’m not sure that I will watch it,” she admitted, revealing the depth of her connection to JFK Jr., who she described as someone she was very close to and still deeply misses.

The loss of her cousin resonates profoundly within her family, and she believes it has far-reaching implications for the country as well.

Rory acknowledged the potential value of the series in introducing younger audiences to JFK Jr.’s legacy beyond the sensational headlines that often dominate public discourse.

However, she emphasized the importance of how the story is told.

It is crucial that the series portrays its subjects as fully human, rather than simply as iconic figures shrouded in myth.

Ryan Murphy’s project, which has been characterized as a love story, features Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pigeon in the roles of JFK Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, respectively.

The couple, along with Carolyn’s sister Lauren, tragically lost their lives in a plane crash in 1999 while en route to Rory’s wedding—a detail that adds a layer of intimacy and complexity to the narrative.

Rory’s participation in Sundance comes at a time of collective mourning for the Kennedy family, especially following the recent death of her cousin, Tatiana Schlober, who passed away at the young age of 35.

Tatiana’s bravery in sharing her battle with leukemia through a poignant essay published in November 2025 has left a lasting impact.

Rory praised her cousin’s courage and the way her writing illuminated the struggles she faced, helping others understand her life and legacy.

In her comments about the Murphy series, Rory struck a balance between cautious optimism and protective instinct.

Her response did not lean towards outright approval or rejection; instead, it reflected a thoughtful pause, recognizing the weight of family grief amidst public fascination.

This nuanced response serves as a reminder that behind every American legend lies a family grappling with personal loss and the complexities of public representation.

The inquiry into whether viewers would support a JFK Jr. series without family consultation raises important questions about the ethics of storytelling and the responsibilities of creators to their subjects and their families.

As Rory Kennedy navigates her own grief while promoting her work, she embodies the delicate interplay between public interest and private sorrow.

Her hesitance to engage with the JFK Jr. series highlights a broader conversation about the portrayal of historical figures and the impact of their legacies on those who remain.

As the Sundance Film Festival continues to unfold, the balance between honoring personal narratives and engaging with public fascination remains a central theme.

Rory’s reflections challenge us to consider how we engage with the stories of iconic figures and the families that continue to bear the weight of their legacies.

In the end, the question remains: does the historical value of a story outweigh the need for family consultation?

And how do we navigate the fine line between honoring the past and respecting the present?

Rory’s journey through this complex landscape serves as a poignant reminder of the human stories behind the headlines, urging us to approach such narratives with empathy and care.