First Marriage: Emily Ruth Black
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s first marriage was to Emily Ruth Black in 1982. Their union marked a significant moment in his early adult life. Emily Ruth Black, a law student like Robert, shared a common background in education with him, which helped them bond. They had two children together, Robert F. Kennedy III and Kathleen Alexandra Kennedy. This period seemed to represent stability for Robert, as he was stepping into his professional and personal life while following the Kennedy legacy of public service.
However, like many relationships under public scrutiny, theirs faced difficulties. After 12 years of marriage, Robert and Emily decided to part ways. They divorced in 1994. The reasons for their divorce remain largely private, though some reports suggest that the pressures of public life and personal differences contributed to the split. Their separation was amicable, especially considering how they remained committed co-parents for their children.
Despite the divorce, Emily Ruth Black maintained a relatively low profile afterward. Her life with Robert marked an important phase in his journey, as he was balancing the family name’s expectations and his ambitions. The end of their marriage, though significant, was a relatively quiet affair compared to what was to come in his personal life.
Second Marriage: Mary Richardson Kennedy
Following his divorce from Emily Ruth Black, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. married Mary Richardson in 1994, just months after finalizing his previous separation. Their relationship brought them four children: Conor, Kyra, Finn, and Aidan. This marriage seemed to reflect a new chapter in Robert’s life, but it would soon be overshadowed by a series of unfortunate events.
Mary Richardson Kennedy was well-regarded for her environmental activism, which complemented Robert’s own commitment to environmental causes. However, their personal life was fraught with difficulties, including reported infidelity on Robert’s part and Mary’s struggles with mental health. These issues would eventually lead to a breakdown in their marriage, with Robert filing for divorce in 2010.
Unfortunately, the situation became more tragic when Mary passed away in 2012. She died by suicide, leaving a cloud of grief over the Kennedy family. The public nature of their separation, combined with the tragedy of her death, drew significant media attention. It highlighted the intense pressures both Mary and Robert faced in their private lives. Despite their personal challenges, their time together produced a family of four children, whom Robert continues to raise.
Their marriage remains one of the most challenging chapters of Robert Kennedy Jr.’s personal life, marked by both public interest and personal pain.
Third Marriage: Cheryl Hines
In 2014, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. married Cheryl Hines, marking his third and most recent marriage. Their relationship began after a casual introduction through mutual friends, notably actor Larry David, who worked with Hines on Curb Your Enthusiasm. Initially, they maintained a slow-building friendship before it blossomed into a romantic connection. By 2011, they were publicly dating, and in May 2014, they announced their engagement. Later that year, on August 2, 2014, they were married in a ceremony at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
Cheryl Hines, a successful actress known for her work in Hollywood, brought a different dynamic to Robert’s life. Unlike his previous wives, she came from the entertainment world, which added a layer of intrigue to their partnership. The couple’s wedding, attended by celebrities and political figures alike, was widely covered by the media, cementing their status as a public couple.
Since their marriage, Hines has been a strong supporter of Robert, especially as he continues his public and environmental activism. While their relationship faces the usual pressures of a high-profile marriage, it appears steady. Cheryl Hines has spoken positively about their bond, emphasizing their shared values and love for family. Their life together, though under the public eye, seems to have a level of stability that contrasts with Robert’s previous relationships.
The Kennedy Legacy and Public Attention
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s personal life has always been under intense public scrutiny, largely due to his family name. As a member of one of America’s most famous political dynasties, his relationships have drawn significant attention from the media and the public alike. Each of his marriages—whether to Emily Ruth Black, Mary Richardson Kennedy, or Cheryl Hines—has played out on a very public stage, amplifying the challenges and triumphs of his personal life.
The Kennedy name carries immense historical weight, and Robert’s life reflects both the privileges and pressures that come with it. Throughout his life, the public has followed his marriages, divorces, and tragedies, often making them headline news. The tragic end of his marriage to Mary Richardson, in particular, was a major event, capturing the nation’s empathy as her personal struggles became a public spectacle. Likewise, his marriage to Cheryl Hines has kept him in the spotlight, though this relationship has seemingly brought more positive attention, with Hines’ own celebrity adding to their public appeal.
Despite the public’s constant gaze, Robert continues to balance his family’s legacy with his personal life, finding a way to move forward through both tragedy and triumph. Each marriage represents a different stage in his life, and together they form a part of the larger narrative that is the Kennedy legacy. His personal life, while full of challenges, remains an integral part of the Kennedy story that continues to captivate public interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many times has Robert Kennedy Jr. been married?
Robert Kennedy Jr. has been married three times.
2. Who is Robert Kennedy Jr.’s current wife?
His current wife is actress Cheryl Hines. They have been married since 2014.
3. How many children does Robert Kennedy Jr. have?
Robert has six children: two from his first marriage to Emily Ruth Black and four from his second marriage to Mary Richardson Kennedy.
4. What happened to Robert Kennedy Jr.’s second wife, Mary Richardson?
Mary Richardson Kennedy tragically died by suicide in 2012, amid their separation and her ongoing struggles with mental health.
5. How long was Robert Kennedy Jr. married to his first wife?
He was married to Emily Ruth Black for 12 years, from 1982 to 1994.
Wrapping Up
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s personal life has been both public and complex, shaped by three marriages and the tragedies that accompanied them. From his first marriage to Emily Ruth Black, to the heartbreak with Mary Richardson Kennedy, and his current life with Cheryl Hines, his relationships have been a significant part of his story. Despite the challenges, Robert has found stability and continues to raise his family while remaining a prominent figure in public life. His journey through love, loss, and resilience reflects the enduring Kennedy legacy.
