Suleika Jaouad, an accomplished American writer, advocate, and motivational speaker, has made significant strides in the literary world, known particularly for her memoir “Between Two Kingdoms.” Despite not being as widely recognized in entertainment circles as her husband, Jon Batiste, Jaouad has garnered considerable acclaim for her writing endeavors.
Her notable achievements include her memoir, “Between Two Kingdoms,” which chronicles her life before and after her battle with cancer. Through this memoir, Jaouad shares her personal journey, including her struggles and triumphs following a diagnosis of a rare form of acute myeloid leukemia in 2011. Her candid reflections on life, love, and resilience have resonated deeply with readers. Additionally, Jaouad contributes to The New York Times through her column titled “Life, Interrupted,” showcasing her talent and insight through her writing.
Jaouad’s resilience was evident during her battle with cancer, where she faced challenging odds with a 35% chance of survival. She underwent intensive treatment and, against the odds, not only endured the treatment but also overcame the cancer itself. However, in 2021, she revealed that her cancer had returned, leading her to undergo a second bone marrow transplant.
Born in New York City to a Muslim father from Tunisia and a Catholic artist mother from Switzerland, Jaouad displayed a remarkable intellect and warmth from a young age. She attended the Juilliard School’s pre-college program as a teenager and later pursued studies at Princeton University, majoring in Near Eastern studies while minoring in French and gender studies.
Despite shifting her focus away from music towards other pursuits, Jaouad’s connection to music remains significant in her life. Her bond with Jon Batiste, her husband, originated during their teenage years when they met at band camp. Their relationship blossomed in 2014, navigating through the challenges posed by Jaouad’s leukemia treatments. In 2022, they formalized their relationship in a private ceremony, marking a milestone in their enduring partnership. Their journey together has been characterized by resilience, love, and support, especially through the trials of Jaouad’s health battles.
