The Three Wives: Unscripted Details Of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Marriages And His 'Chaotic' Life With Cheryl Hines

Contents

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent figure in the American political landscape and the scion of the legendary Kennedy dynasty, has lived a life under intense public scrutiny, particularly concerning his personal relationships. As of December 23, 2025, the current spouse of the environmental lawyer, author, and political activist is the Emmy-nominated actress and comedian, Cheryl Hines.

The couple’s high-profile marriage has been a consistent source of media fascination, especially as Kennedy launched his independent presidential bid. The recent publication of Hines' candid memoir has pulled back the curtain on the unexpected challenges, political pressures, and even shocking suggestions that have defined their life together, proving that even a union between Hollywood and political royalty is anything but conventional. The story of RFK Jr.'s personal life is one of three distinct chapters, each marked by love, loss, and the ever-present weight of the Kennedy name.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Full Biographical Profile

Robert Francis Kennedy Jr., often referred to as RFK Jr., is a figure whose career has spanned environmental law, activism, and, most recently, independent politics. His family background places him at the center of one of America's most storied and complex dynasties.

  • Full Name: Robert Francis Kennedy Jr.
  • Born: January 17, 1954 (Age 71 as of late 2025)
  • Birthplace: Washington D.C., U.S.
  • Parents: Robert F. Kennedy (U.S. Attorney General and Senator) and Ethel Skakel Kennedy.
  • Family Lineage: Nephew of President John F. Kennedy and Senator Ted Kennedy.
  • Education: Harvard University (B.A. in American History and Literature), London School of Economics, University of Virginia School of Law (J.D.), Pace University School of Law (L.L.M. in Environmental Law).
  • Career: Environmental Attorney (co-founder of Riverkeeper and president of Waterkeeper Alliance), Author, Radio Host, and Political Activist/Independent Presidential Candidate.
  • Current Spouse: Cheryl Hines (m. 2014)
  • Previous Marriages: Emily Ruth Black (m. 1982, div. 1994), Mary Richardson Kennedy (m. 1994, died 2012).
  • Children: Six children from his first two marriages.

The Three Chapters: RFK Jr.'s Marriages and Six Children

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been married three times, each relationship contributing to his large family and public narrative. His life has been marked by personal tragedy and the difficulty of balancing a public environmental career with a tumultuous private life.

1. First Wife: Emily Ruth Black (1982–1994)

RFK Jr. met his first wife, Emily Ruth Black, while they were both studying law at the University of Virginia. They married in 1982 in a private ceremony in Bedford, New York. Their marriage lasted 12 years and produced two children. Black, who largely remained out of the public spotlight, provided a contrast to the high-profile life he would later lead. They officially divorced in 1994.

  • Children with Emily Black:
    • Robert Francis “Bobby” Kennedy III (b. 1984)
    • Kathleen Alexandra “Kick” Kennedy (b. 1988)

2. Second Wife: Mary Richardson Kennedy (1994–2012)

Just weeks after his divorce from Black was finalized, Kennedy married Mary Kathleen Richardson, an architect and interior designer. Mary was a longtime friend of his sister, Kerry Kennedy. The couple had four children together and their marriage lasted 18 years, though it was often fraught with difficulty. RFK Jr. filed for divorce in 2010. Tragically, Mary died by suicide in May 2012 before the divorce proceedings were finalized, a devastating event that cast a long shadow over the Kennedy family.

  • Children with Mary Richardson Kennedy:
    • Conor Richardson Kennedy (b. 1994)
    • Kyra LeMoyne Kennedy (b. 1995)
    • William Finn Kennedy (b. 1997)
    • Aidan Caohman Kennedy (b. 2001)

3. Current Wife: Cheryl Hines (2014–Present)

RFK Jr.'s third and current spouse is actress Cheryl Hines, best known for her Emmy-nominated role as Cheryl David on the long-running HBO comedy series Curb Your Enthusiasm. The couple was introduced by Hines' co-star and friend, Larry David. They began dating in 2012 and were married on August 2, 2014, at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, bringing a blend of Hollywood and political royalty together.

Inside the Unscripted Marriage: Cheryl Hines' Candid Revelations

The dynamic between the environmental activist and the comedic actress has always been a point of public curiosity, but it was Hines' recent memoir, Unscripted, that provided the most startling and current insights into their life, especially against the backdrop of RFK Jr.'s 2024 presidential campaign.

The 'Chaotic Home Life' and Political Strain

Hines' book and subsequent interviews, which are highly current, detail the extreme stress placed on their marriage by Kennedy's independent political run. She described their life as "chaotic," a stark contrast to her on-screen persona. The political differences between Kennedy and the majority of his own family, who publicly endorsed President Joe Biden, created a significant strain not only on RFK Jr. but also on Hines, who found herself navigating fractured relationships within the powerful Kennedy clan.

The actress admitted she lived in constant fear for her husband’s safety during the campaign, a fear rooted in the tragic history of the Kennedy family, which has seen two assassinations.

The Shocking Suggestion of a 'Fake Separation'

One of the most revealing details Hines shared was a suggestion made by RFK Jr. himself to manage the intense public scrutiny and negative media attention surrounding his campaign. Hines revealed that her husband proposed they pretend to be separated. The idea was to deflect the political fallout that was being aimed at her due to his controversial views. Hines ultimately rejected the suggestion, choosing to stand by her husband, despite the cost to her own public image and personal peace. This incident highlights the extraordinary pressure they faced as a political-Hollywood couple.

Cheryl Hines: From Curb Your Enthusiasm to the Campaign Trail

Cheryl Hines' career before and during her marriage to RFK Jr. is a testament to her versatility and independence. Her willingness to support her husband, even when it meant navigating political and personal controversy, has defined her recent years.

  • Introduction to RFK Jr.: Introduced by her Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star, Larry David, who was initially skeptical of their pairing but later became close to the couple.
  • Career Highlights: Best known for her role as the long-suffering wife of Larry David on Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024). She received two Emmy Award nominations for her work on the show.
  • Political Stance: While she stood by her husband's side throughout his 2024 campaign, Hines has publicly stated that she is not aligned with all of his political views, maintaining her own identity and perspective. Her memoir, Unscripted, explores this delicate balance between personal loyalty and political disagreement.

The marriage between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cheryl Hines is a modern political love story, complicated by history, high-stakes politics, and the relentless glare of the public eye. As the couple moves forward, their relationship remains a compelling study of how love endures amidst the most chaotic and unscripted circumstances.

robert f. kennedy jr. spouse
robert f. kennedy jr. spouse

Detail Author:

  • Name : Raegan Bednar MD
  • Username : areynolds
  • Email : wfahey@little.org
  • Birthdate : 1998-08-23
  • Address : 334 Chase Vista Rosaleeshire, SD 36227-7608
  • Phone : 1-331-758-4857
  • Company : Koch PLC
  • Job : Marketing VP
  • Bio : Non similique enim quia numquam quo reprehenderit. Eum eveniet totam officia. Officia illo iste iste eos vel autem deleniti. Aut debitis sed et est qui illo beatae.

Socials

facebook:

tiktok: