About
Svetlana Alliluyeva, also known as Lana Peters, was the only daughter of Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. She famously defected to the United States in 1967, becoming an international sensation. After defecting she wrote books detailing life under Stalin's rule. She eventually became a naturalized American citizen before briefly returning to the Soviet Union in the 1980s.
Career Timeline
Defection to United States
Svetlana's defection made international headlines and garnered attention.
"Twenty Letters to a Friend"
Published her memoir and becomes an instant best-seller.
Marital and Personal Struggles
Struggled with marital issues and money.
Brief return to Soviet Union
Returned to the Soviet Union briefly, then later returned to the West.
Living in obscurity
She had a difficult life living away from her home country.
Death in Wisconsin
Svetlana Alliluyeva dies in Wisconsin.
Daughter of Stalin
She is mostly remembered for being Stalin's daughter.
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Last updated: February 24, 2026