Who Are Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Exes And Who Is He Married To Now?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an environmental lawyer and author who comes from a long line of influential political figures. RFK Jr. has spent his career attempting to fill the big shoes left behind by his father Robert F. Kennedy and uncle John F. Kennedy. He recently announced his bid for the 2024 presidential election. According to CNN, the self-proclaimed "truth teller" is well known for his controversial views on vaccines, which clash with many of the viewpoints within his own political party and may overshadow coverage of his presidential run.
After comparing COVID vaccine restrictions to the struggles that Anne Frank endured during the Holocaust, some of his family members have withdrawn their support. In 2022, his sister, Kerry Kennedy, tweeted that she "strongly condemn[s] him for his hateful rhetoric," and shared that "He does not represent the views of @RFKHumanRights or our family." Not only has RFK Jr.'s hot takes created a rocky relationship with many members of his family, but his comments have also gotten him into some hot water at home. His current wife, Cheryl Hines, spoke out against these views. She tweeted, "My husband's opinions are not a reflection of my own. While we love each other, we differ on many current issues."
As a thrice-married man, the environmental lawyer is no stranger to conflict. With the announcement of his presidential bid, it might be worth getting to know the storied past of RFK Jr.'s relationships with the women he has loved and lost.
RFK Jr.'s first wife, Emily Black
Per UPI, RFK Jr. met his first wife, Emily Black, in law school at the University of Virginia. The two were married on April 3, 1982, in a beautiful church ceremony fit for one of the most prominent political families in America. The couple, who had both lost their fathers at a young age, were surrounded by loved ones, good music, and high fashion on their wedding day.
Sadly, the couple divorced in 1994 after 12 years and two children together — they are the parents of Kathleen and Robert III. According to the LA Times, Kennedy said "fell deeply in love with [his second wife] Mary in 1993," while he was in the process of separating from Black and gearing up for a divorce.
RFK Jr.'s second wife, Mary Richardson
Robert F. Kennedy's relationship with his second wife, Mary Richardson, got off to a fairytale start. Richardson was a close friend of RFK Jr.'s sister, Kerry, who penned a moving tribute to Mary in 2012. She spoke about their bond as best friends which began when they were teens, Mary's efforts with their brother Joe Kennedy II's congressional campaign in the '80s, and how she spearheaded donations to El Salvador when parts of the country were in a crisis.
As for her relationship with Bobby, Kerry wrote, "I have never seen two people more thoroughly enchanted with one another and more completely in love." The marriage, however, did not last.
After 16 years of marriage and four children together, the couple began the process of getting divorced. The proceedings quickly became messy and painful, and Mary Richardson died by suicide before their divorce was finalized. RFK Jr. may have been aware of her suicidal tendencies, claiming in an extensive affidavit that she had made threats to her own life in front of their children. Even still, it was reported by Newsweek that he wept upon hearing the news of her death.
RFK Jr.'s third wife, Cheryl Hines
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s current wife, Cheryl Hines, is an actress and director known for her role in "Curb Your Enthusiasm." In fact, it was reported by People that show creator Larry David is to thank for the couple's romance. Hines is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and they eventually started dating after two separate introductions courtesy of David. Kennedy shared with The New York Times that he was in the process of his second divorce when he met Hines, who had recently filed for divorce herself from her first husband. The two have publicly shared their adoration for each other many times throughout their relationship, enjoying each other's humor and thoughtfulness. Hines and Kennedy were married in a beautifully casual ceremony in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts after two years of dating.
While most are aware that the couple does not see eye to eye on everything, especially regarding political views, Hines continues to stand by her husband's side. After announcing his 2024 presidential bid, Hines released a statement claiming that she is in full support of her husband's decision. She called him "a fearless leader who understands the needs of the American people and has devoted his life fighting for democracy."
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255).