RFK Jr Wife: A Guide to Cheryl Hines and His Past Marriages

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., often called RFK Jr., is a man who is always in the news. Whether it is because of his famous political family, his work as an environmental lawyer, or his role as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services in 2026, people are constantly curious about his life. One of the most common questions people ask is about his personal life and the women he has married.

Who is RFK Jr.’s wife? Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is currently married to actress Cheryl Hines, whom he wed in 2014; he was previously married to Emily Ruth Black (1982–1994) and Mary Kathleen Richardson (1994–2012).

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

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met his first wife, Emily Ruth Black, while they were both students at the University of Virginia School of Law. They were a young, ambitious couple who seemed to have a bright future ahead of them. They married on April 3, 1982, in Emily’s hometown of Bloomington, Indiana.

During their twelve years of marriage, the couple lived a relatively private life compared to the later years of RFK Jr.’s career. They had two children together: Robert “Bobby” Kennedy III and Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy. However, the marriage faced difficulties as Robert struggled with personal issues during the early 1980s.

Eventually, the couple separated in 1992, and their divorce was finalized in early 1994. Despite the split, Emily remained a dedicated mother to their children. She chose to stay out of the public eye following the divorce, focusing on her family and personal life.

The Second Marriage: Mary Kathleen Richardson (1994–2012)

Only a few weeks after his divorce from Emily Black was finalized, Robert married his second wife, Mary Kathleen Richardson. Mary was a talented interior designer and a close friend of Robert’s sister, Kerry Kennedy. The two had known each other for many years before they became romantically involved.

The marriage was a productive one in terms of family and environmental work. Together, they had four children: Conor, Kyra, William “Finn,” and Aidan. Mary was deeply involved in philanthropic work, including co-founding the Food Allergy Initiative. She was also known for her work in green building and environmental design.

However, the relationship was marked by significant personal struggles. The couple filed for divorce in 2010 after sixteen years of marriage. Sadly, while the divorce proceedings were still ongoing, Mary passed away in May 2012. Her death was a tragic moment for the Kennedy family and was widely reported in the national news.

The Current Wife: Cheryl Hines (2014–Present)

RFK Jr.’s current wife is the famous actress Cheryl Hines, best known for her role in the TV show Curb Your Enthusiasm. The couple was introduced by Cheryl’s co-star, Larry David, around 2006, but they did not begin dating until 2011, after Robert had separated from his second wife.

They were married on August 2, 2014, at the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. This marriage brought together two very different worlds: Hollywood and Washington politics. Cheryl has often spoken about how she had to adjust to being part of such a famous and politically active family.

In 2026, Cheryl Hines remains a supportive but independent spouse. As RFK Jr. serves as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Cheryl has been seen by his side at major events, including his Senate confirmation hearings. Despite her husband’s intense political career, she continues to maintain her own acting career and business ventures.

Interesting Facts and Insights About RFK Jr.’s Marriages

To give you a better understanding of his personal history, here are some intriguing facts about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his wives:

• The Larry David Connection: It is a well-known fact in Hollywood that Larry David introduced Cheryl Hines to Robert. Larry David reportedly joked that he felt responsible for the union since they met through his social circle.
• A Large Blended Family: Between his three marriages, RFK Jr. has six biological children. When combined with Cheryl Hines’ daughter from her previous marriage, they have a very large and busy blended family.
• Recent Challenges: In late 2024 and 2025, there were rumors of tension in Robert and Cheryl’s marriage following reports of an alleged “digital relationship” Robert had with a journalist. However, the couple has remained together, and Cheryl recently released a memoir titled Unscripted where she discusses their life together.
• Public Service vs. Privacy: While Cheryl Hines supports her husband’s political goals, she has stated in interviews that she does not feel the need to attend every political event, as she values her own identity and career.
• A Wedding at the Compound: The 2014 wedding was a major event for the Kennedy family, held under a large tent at the historic home of Robert’s mother, Ethel Kennedy.

Conclusion: Navigating Life as a Kennedy Spouse

The history of RFK Jr.’s wives shows a life that has moved from the quiet halls of law school to the intense scrutiny of the Cabinet of the United States. Each wife has played a different role in his life, from Emily Black’s support during his early years to Mary Richardson’s partnership in building a large family and environmental legacy.

Today, Cheryl Hines faces the unique challenge of being a “Cabinet spouse” in 2026. Her journey from a comedy actress to a prominent figure in the political world is a story of adaptation and resilience. Through all the ups and downs, the relationship between RFK Jr. and his wives remains a central part of the story of one of America’s most famous families.

Sources and References:

• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – Wikipedia Official Biography
• Cheryl Hines Biography – Britannica
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Relationship History – People Magazine
• Cheryl Hines on Marriage and Politics – CBS News Interview
• Mary Richardson Kennedy Memorial – The Guardian