The Three Wives Of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: From Law School Sweetheart To Hollywood Star And Political Spouse

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s personal life has been as scrutinized and dramatic as his political career, marked by three distinct marriages that span decades, tragedy, and a recent immersion into the chaotic world of a presidential campaign. As of today, December 18, 2025, his current spouse is the celebrated Hollywood actress and comedian, Cheryl Hines, a union that has brought the worlds of environmental activism and entertainment into a very public and often tense spotlight, especially during the 2024 election cycle.

This in-depth look explores the full romantic history of the environmental lawyer and political figure, detailing the women who have shared his life, the children they raised, and the unique challenges faced by his current wife as a prominent figure in the tumultuous Kennedy family orbit.

The Current Spouse: Cheryl Hines—Biography and Profile

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s third and current wife is actress, comedian, and director Cheryl Ruth Hines. Their marriage represents a fascinating blend of political dynasty and Hollywood celebrity, a dynamic that has been central to recent media coverage.

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• Full Name: Cheryl Ruth Hines
• Date of Birth: September 21, 1965
• Place of Birth: Miami Beach, Florida, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Comedian, Director, Producer
• Best Known For: Portraying Cheryl David, the long-suffering wife of Larry David, on the critically acclaimed HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000–2024), a role for which she received two Emmy Award nominations.
• Education: University of Central Florida (B.A.)
• Previous Marriage: Paul Young (divorced 2010)
• Children: One daughter, Catherine Rose (from her first marriage)
• Marriage to RFK Jr.: Married on August 2, 2014, in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.

The Hollywood-Meets-Hyannis Port Union

Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were reportedly introduced by her Curb Your Enthusiasm co-star, Larry David, a seemingly unlikely matchmaker for a Kennedy scion. Their wedding in 2014 was a high-profile, private affair at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, officially cementing Hines's place within one of America's most famous political families.

The marriage has been characterized by a blend of mutual support and public tension, particularly since RFK Jr. launched his 2024 presidential campaign. Hines, a successful, established figure in her own right, has openly discussed the difficulties of navigating the political sphere as a spouse.

In interviews, Hines has admitted she was "very worried" about her husband's safety during the campaign, especially regarding the risk of assassination, a tragic shadow that hangs over the Kennedy family history.

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The intense scrutiny led to dramatic moments in their private life. In a candid revelation, Hines shared that RFK Jr. once suggested they should pretend to be separated during the campaign to deflect negative media attention, a testament to the extreme pressure they faced.

Furthermore, Hines has been forced to address controversies head-on, including an alleged sexting scandal involving RFK Jr. and journalist Olivia Nuzzi, demonstrating the constant media management required to sustain their high-profile marriage.

The First Wife: Emily Ruth Black (1982–1994)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s first marriage was to Emily Ruth Black, a relationship rooted in their shared academic and professional pursuits. Their story began in law school, far from the glare of the political spotlight that would later dominate his life.

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Emily Black and RFK Jr. met while they were both studying at the University of Virginia School of Law. Their connection led to marriage in 1982.

This first union lasted for over a decade, producing two children before the couple ultimately divorced in 1994. The children from this marriage are: Robert Francis Kennedy III and Kick Kennedy (Kathleen Alexandra Kennedy).

Emily Black's time as RFK Jr.'s wife predated his most intense period of public and environmental activism, though she remains a key figure in the lineage of his large family.

The Second Wife: Mary Richardson Kennedy (1994–2012)

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s second marriage to Mary Richardson Kennedy was perhaps the most turbulent and tragically documented chapter of his marital history. Mary was an accomplished interior designer and architect, known for her talent and philanthropic work.

Mary and RFK Jr. married in 1994, the same year his divorce from Emily Black was finalized. The couple had four children together: Conor Kennedy, Kyra Kennedy, William Finbar "Finn" Kennedy, and Aidan Kennedy.

The marriage was tumultuous in its later years, marked by public struggles and legal issues. The couple separated in 2010, and Mary's life ended tragically when she died by suicide in 2012. Her death, which occurred while the divorce proceedings were still underway, sent shockwaves through the Kennedy family and the national media, underscoring the intense personal challenges faced within the family's inner circle.

Topical Authority: The Complexities of a Political Spouse in the Modern Era

The transition of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from environmental lawyer and activist to a major political candidate in the 2024 election cycle placed an unprecedented strain on his marriage to Cheryl Hines, creating a modern case study in the difficulties of being a political spouse.

Hines, whose public persona was built on comedy and television, suddenly found herself at the center of a politically charged environment, often having to publicly address her husband’s controversial views, particularly those regarding vaccines and public health. She has described the experience as one she will "never get used to," highlighting the stark contrast between her quiet life as an actress and the demands of a political campaign.

The tension was not limited to the public sphere; it also created significant friction within the famously large and interconnected Kennedy family. Hines has openly spoken about the "fractured" relationships with some members of the Kennedy clan who publicly opposed RFK Jr.'s campaign and political stances.

The entity of Cheryl Hines, the current spouse, has become a nexus point for the intersection of celebrity, political controversy, and the enduring drama of the Kennedy legacy. Her role is not merely supportive; it is one of a public figure navigating a complex, high-stakes political and familial environment, all while maintaining her own successful career in the entertainment industry.

Ultimately, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s three marriages—to Emily Black, Mary Richardson Kennedy, and Cheryl Hines—tell a story of a man whose personal life, much like his public career, is constantly evolving, highly scrutinized, and inextricably linked to the unique history and pressures of the Kennedy name.