The Three Wives Of RFK Jr.: Inside The Complex Marriages Of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. And His Current Wife, Cheryl Hines
The life of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.) is a blend of political dynasty, environmental activism, and a high-profile personal life, currently anchored by his marriage to actress Cheryl Hines. As of late December 2025, the couple navigates the intense scrutiny of the Washington, D.C. political landscape, a new chapter that has placed the *Curb Your Enthusiasm* star directly into the heart of American governance following RFK Jr.'s controversial appointment as Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration. This union marks his third marriage, a romantic history as complex and multifaceted as his public career, involving two previous wives and a total of six children.
The current focus is squarely on Cheryl Hines, who has become an unlikely figure in the political sphere, balancing her established Hollywood career with the demands of being a Cabinet Secretary’s wife. Her journey from the comedic world of Larry David to the corridors of the White House is a fascinating study in navigating family loyalty, political controversy, and personal identity. This article provides a deep dive into all three of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s wives, offering a comprehensive look at the women who have shared his life and helped shape the modern Kennedy narrative.
Cheryl Hines: The Current Wife and Her Unconventional Journey to the Kennedy Dynasty
Cheryl Hines, born on September 21, 1965, is an accomplished American actress, comedian, producer, and director. Her profile is perhaps most famous for her long-running, Emmy-nominated role as Cheryl David, the long-suffering wife of comedian Larry David, in the critically acclaimed HBO series *Curb Your Enthusiasm*. She also starred in the sitcom *Suburgatory* and has a robust career in film and television.
- Full Name: Cheryl Ruth Hines
- Date of Birth: September 21, 1965
- Place of Birth: Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
- Education: Studied at the University of Central Florida and Florida State University; trained with The Groundlings Theatre Group in Los Angeles.
- Career: Actress, Comedian, Producer, Director. Best known for *Curb Your Enthusiasm* (2000–2024).
- Marriage to RFK Jr.: Married August 2, 2014, at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
- Children: One daughter from her previous marriage, Catherine "Cat" Young.
The Hollywood-Meets-Politics Marriage
Hines and Kennedy were introduced by none other than Larry David, a mutual friend, around 2011, and they began dating shortly after. Their marriage in 2014 united the worlds of Hollywood and one of America's most enduring political families. The union gained significant public attention, especially during RFK Jr.’s 2024 presidential campaign and his subsequent appointment to the Cabinet.
Cheryl Hines has been candid about the challenges of her husband's public life, particularly the family tensions and public criticism that arose from his political stances and his association with a controversial administration. She has admitted that navigating the political division has been "not easy" and has spoken out about the "hypocrisy in Hollywood" regarding her marriage, where some in her industry have become intolerant of differing political views. Despite the pressures, she has stood by her husband, even while maintaining a degree of separation between her public persona and his political career.
A History of Love and Loss: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Previous Wives
Before his marriage to Cheryl Hines, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was married twice. These relationships, which spanned three decades, yielded six children and were marked by both public life and private tragedy, making the "Kennedy Dynasty" narrative even more complex.
1. Emily Ruth Black: The Attorney and First Wife
RFK Jr.’s first wife was Emily Ruth Black, an American attorney whom he met while they were both studying at the University of Virginia School of Law. Their romance began in the halls of academia, far from the spotlight of the Kennedy compound.
- Full Name: Emily Ruth Black
- Career: Attorney
- Marriage: Married April 3, 1982, in her hometown of Bloomington, Indiana.
- Divorce: The couple separated after 10 years of marriage and divorced in 1994.
- Children: Two children, Robert F. Kennedy III and Kick Kennedy (Kathleen Kennedy).
Black’s marriage to a member of the Kennedy family brought her into the intense public sphere of one of the world's most scrutinized families. She is noted as the mother of two of RFK Jr.’s children, and her time with him represents the early, formative years of his adult life and career as an environmental lawyer.
2. Mary Richardson Kennedy: The Architect and Philanthropist
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s second marriage was to Mary Kathleen Richardson, a highly respected interior designer and architect. Mary was a close friend of RFK Jr.'s sister, Kerry Kennedy, and the two were married shortly after his divorce from Emily Ruth Black was finalized.
- Full Name: Mary Kathleen Richardson Kennedy (née Richardson)
- Date of Birth: October 4, 1959
- Career: Interior Designer, Architect, Philanthropist, Environmental Activist.
- Marriage: Married in 1994.
- Death: Died tragically on May 16, 2012, at age 52.
- Children: Four children: Conor, Kyra, William, and Aidan.
Mary Richardson Kennedy was known for her philanthropic and environmental work, often collaborating with her husband on various initiatives. Tragically, the couple separated in 2010, and Mary died by suicide in May 2012 at their home in Mount Kisco, New York. Her untimely death sent shockwaves through the Kennedy family and the wider public, shedding a light on the private struggles that often accompany a life lived in the public eye.
The Current Dynamic: Cheryl Hines and RFK Jr. in the Political Spotlight
The current chapter of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s life is inextricably linked to his wife, Cheryl Hines, and his surprising pivot into high-level government. Since his appointment to the Cabinet, the couple's every move is meticulously observed, a level of scrutiny that Hines has had to rapidly adjust to.
Hines has frequently utilized her platform to discuss the complexities of their marriage amidst political turmoil. She has expressed support for her husband while also maintaining her individual identity and professional career. Her comments on podcasts and in interviews often touch upon the challenges of maintaining relationships with friends and family members who disagree with RFK Jr.'s political positions and controversial views, particularly his past anti-vaccine advocacy and his role in the administration. She has notably defended her husband's character, emphasizing his commitment to environmental issues and his long-standing work as a dedicated environmental lawyer.
The actress recently made headlines by discussing her husband's future political aspirations, stating she does not believe he will run for president again in 2028, choosing instead to focus on his current role as Secretary of Health and Human Services. This public commentary provides a rare glimpse into the private discussions of a couple whose life is now lived under the brightest of spotlights, contrasting the quiet, foundational marriages of Emily Ruth Black and the tragic, tumultuous years with Mary Richardson Kennedy.
The story of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s wives is a testament to the enduring, and often complicated, intersection of love, politics, and the enduring legacy of the Kennedy family.
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