The Three Wives Of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: Inside The Unscripted Reality With Cheryl Hines Amidst The 2024 Campaign Chaos

The current wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the Emmy-nominated actress and comedian, Cheryl Hines. As of December 2025, their high-profile marriage has been thrust into the intense spotlight of American politics following RFK Jr.’s independent bid for the 2024 presidential election, a journey that has revealed significant personal and familial strain.

This deep dive explores the complete romantic history of the independent candidate, from his first two complex marriages to the unexpected challenges faced by Hines—best known for her role as Cheryl David on HBO’s *Curb Your Enthusiasm*—as she navigates the scrutiny and controversy of being a political spouse in the modern era, a role she details candidly in her new book, *Unscripted*. The couple's dynamic has become a central point of fascination, especially with the latest revelations about the fractured Kennedy family ties and the surprising suggestion of a "fake separation" to ease campaign pressure.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s Complete Biography and Three Marriages

Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. (RFK Jr.), born January 17, 1954, is an American environmental lawyer, activist, and political figure. He is a prominent member of the Kennedy family, the son of U.S. Attorney General and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and the nephew of President John F. Kennedy. His life has been marked by decades of environmental advocacy, particularly with Riverkeeper and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and more recently, by his controversial political positions and independent run for the presidency. His personal life includes six children and three marriages, each bringing its own complexities.

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

• Duration: 12 years.
• Children: Two—Robert F. Kennedy III and Kick Kennedy (Kathleen).
• Details: RFK Jr. married Emily Ruth Black in 1982. She is the daughter of former U.S. Ambassador to Italy, William S. Black. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1994, shortly before his second marriage.

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

• Duration: 18 years.
• Children: Four—Conor, Kyra, William, and Aidan.
• Details: Mary Richardson was an architect and designer. The couple married in 1994. The marriage was troubled, and RFK Jr. filed for divorce in 2010. Sadly, Mary died by suicide in May 2012 while the divorce proceedings were still pending. Her death brought immense public and private tragedy to the Kennedy family.

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

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• Duration: Married since August 2014.
• Children: Hines has one daughter, Catherine Rose Young, from a previous marriage.
• Details: Hines and Kennedy began dating in 2011 and married three years later at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. Their union merged the worlds of Hollywood comedy and political dynasty, setting the stage for the dramatic events of the 2024 campaign.

Cheryl Hines: From 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' to Political Spouse

Cheryl Ruth Hines is a highly recognizable figure in American comedy, born on September 21, 1965, in Miami Beach, Florida. Her career has established her as a versatile actress, director, and producer, but she is most famous for her long-running, Emmy-nominated role as the exasperated but loving wife of Larry David on the critically acclaimed HBO series, *Curb Your Enthusiasm*.

Her work on *Curb* spanned from 2000 to 2024, making her a staple of the pop culture landscape. Her transition from playing a fictional political spouse (in a very loose sense) to the real-life partner of a controversial presidential candidate has been anything but seamless. Hines has been vocal about the stark difference between her comedic career and the gravity of her husband’s political ambitions, often finding herself in the difficult position of defending his views while maintaining her own identity and career.

The actress initially expressed reservations about the political path, acknowledging the pressure it would place on their lives. However, she ultimately stood by her husband, publicly supporting his independent campaign for the 2024 election.

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The Unscripted Reality: Marriage Under the 2024 Campaign Spotlight

The 2024 presidential campaign proved to be the most challenging period for the marriage of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cheryl Hines. The actress has been remarkably candid about the scrutiny, the media circus, and the personal toll the independent run took on her life and her relationship with the wider Kennedy family.

Fractured Kennedy Family Ties

One of the most painful aspects of the campaign for Hines was the public and private fracturing of her relationship with parts of the legendary Kennedy clan. Many members of the Kennedy family publicly endorsed President Joe Biden, effectively distancing themselves from RFK Jr.’s campaign and his controversial viewpoints. Hines admitted that the political divide created a significant rift, making family gatherings and public appearances awkward and strained. This public opposition highlighted the intense pressure on her to choose between her husband and her extended family.

The 'Fake Separation' Suggestion

In a truly shocking and "unscripted" revelation, Hines disclosed in a candid interview that her husband, RFK Jr., had suggested they stage a "fake separation" during the height of the 2024 campaign. The suggestion came as a way to alleviate the enormous public scrutiny and backlash she was facing for standing by his side and supporting his independent candidacy. Hines recounted the moment in her new book, *Unscripted*, explaining that the proposal was born out of a desire to protect her from the political fallout, although she ultimately rejected the idea.

Candid Confessions in *Unscripted*

Hines’ new book, *Unscripted*, provides a fresh and unique perspective on the chaotic home life of a political spouse. She details how the high-stress environment of the campaign, coupled with her husband's intense public profile, created a challenging domestic situation. The book also reportedly addresses the infamous Olivia Nuzzi affair scandal, with Hines claiming that the media attention surrounding the event actually served to strengthen her marriage to RFK Jr., forcing them to communicate more deeply and rely on each other.

The candidness of her accounts, particularly regarding the "fake separation" and the family drama, has cemented her as a figure of curiosity beyond her acting career. She has successfully leveraged her comedic background to bring a sense of grounded, if bewildered, honesty to the often-opaque world of political marriages.

The Future: A 2028 Run and Life After the Campaign

With the 2024 election cycle concluded, the focus has shifted to what the future holds for RFK Jr. and Hines. The actress has been quick to shut down speculation about a potential 2028 presidential bid, stating her husband would not be running again.

Hines's public statements reflect a desire to return to a more private life, away from the relentless political spotlight. Her primary focus appears to be on her career, her family, and promoting her book, which offers a powerful look at the intersection of celebrity, politics, and the enduring strength required to maintain a marriage under extreme public pressure. The couple continues to navigate the aftermath of the campaign, with their relationship having been tested and reshaped by the "unscripted" reality of life in the Kennedy political orbit.