If you’ve been scrolling through your news feed lately, you’ve probably seen the name Robert F. Kennedy Jr. popping up next to words like "Secretary of Health" or "MAHA." But honestly, for a lot of people, the curiosity isn’t just about his policy on raw milk or vaccines. It’s about his house. Specifically, is Robert Kennedy married, and how on earth is his wife handling the chaotic jump from Hollywood glam to the gritty, high-stakes world of Washington, D.C. politics?
The short answer is yes. He’s married to actress Cheryl Hines.
You know her—she’s the one who spent years playing Larry David’s incredibly patient (and often exasperated) wife on Curb Your Enthusiasm. It’s a bit of cosmic irony that she went from playing a woman dealing with a difficult husband on TV to becoming a real-life political spouse to one of the most polarizing figures in modern American history. Their marriage isn't just a "status"; it's a full-blown saga of blended families, cross-country moves, and some very public, very awkward "did that really happen?" moments.
The Cheryl Hines Chapter: A Ten-Year Journey
When people ask is Robert Kennedy married, they are usually looking for the scoop on his ten-year union with Hines. They tied the knot back in August 2014 at the famous Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port. It was a big deal—Larry David actually introduced them years earlier—and the wedding was a mix of Hollywood stars and political royalty.
Fast forward to 2026, and the scenery has changed. They aren't just hanging out in Brentwood or at the compound anymore. Earlier this year, Kennedy purchased a $4.4 million townhouse in Georgetown. Hines has been very open about the fact that moving to D.C. was a massive adjustment. She’s even written a memoir called Unscripted (released in late 2025) where she gets brutally honest about life in the "political fishbowl."
Blended Families and Moving Trucks
Life for the Kennedys isn't exactly quiet. They have a massive blended family—six children from Bobby’s previous marriages and Hines’ daughter, Cat.
📖 Related: How Old Is Breanna Nix? What the American Idol Star Is Doing Now
- The D.C. Pivot: While they still own a $6.6 million home in Brentwood, California, the bulk of their time is now spent in the capital.
- The "Lust Demon" Rumors: You might have heard the gossip. There was a lot of talk in late 2024 about a "personal relationship" between Kennedy and a New York Magazine reporter named Olivia Nuzzi.
- The United Front: Despite the headlines, Hines has stayed. She’s been spotted at his Senate confirmation hearings and his swearing-in at the White House.
Honestly, it seems like they’ve decided to double down on the marriage. Hines even shut down rumors that they were splitting by posting a heartfelt 11th-anniversary tribute on Instagram. She basically told the world that whatever they’ve been through, it’s behind them.
The Marital History Nobody Talks About
To understand the current state of things, you kinda have to look at how he got here. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. hasn't exactly had a simple romantic life. Before Hines, there were two other marriages that ended in very different, and sometimes tragic, ways.
Emily Ruth Black (1982–1994)
His first wife was Emily Ruth Black. They met at law school. They had two kids together—Bobby III and Kick. It seemed like a standard "young legal couple" vibe, but they separated in 1992 and finally divorced in '94. Emily has mostly stayed out of the spotlight since then, which is a rare feat for anyone with the Kennedy last name.
Mary Richardson Kennedy (1994–2012)
This is where things get heavy. Bobby married Mary Richardson right after his first divorce. They had four children: Conor, Kyra, William, and Aidan. For a long time, they were the "it" couple of the environmental law world. But behind the scenes, it was messy.
By 2010, Kennedy filed for divorce. The legal battle was legendary for all the wrong reasons. In early 2025, some secret recordings surfaced (published by Mother Jones) that showed just how bad things got. We’re talking about allegations of infidelity and "lust demons." Tragically, Mary died by suicide in 2012 before the divorce was even finalized. It’s a dark chapter that still follows the family today.
👉 See also: Whitney Houston Wedding Dress: Why This 1992 Look Still Matters
Is Robert Kennedy Married? Addressing the Nuzzi Scandal
You can't talk about his marriage in 2026 without mentioning the Olivia Nuzzi situation. For a few months in late 2024, the internet was convinced a divorce was imminent. Hines was even seen without her wedding ring.
Kennedy reportedly suggested a "fake separation" to Hines to protect her from the media vitriol he was receiving. She turned him down. Why? Because she didn't want to be caught in a lie by the paparazzi constantly lurking around their home.
In her book, she admits that the Nuzzi reports were almost her "breaking point." She says she "hit a wall." But after some long, painful conversations, they decided to stay together. Whether you agree with his politics or not, the fact that they’re still standing as a couple is a testament to... something. Resilience? Stubbornness? Maybe a bit of both.
What Life Looks Like Now in Washington
So, what is it like being the wife of a Cabinet Secretary? Hines jokes about it. She says she’s still learning when not to curtsy and how to handle the "MAHA" (Make America Healthy Again) lifestyle. Apparently, she still sneaks potato chips when Bobby isn't looking because his diet is a bit too intense for her.
Key Details of the Current Marriage:
- Residence: Primarily a Georgetown townhouse, but they still keep the Brentwood estate.
- Public Role: Hines supports the MAHA initiative but makes it clear she doesn't agree with everything her husband says.
- Social Life: She’s making friends with other Cabinet spouses, though she admits she lost a few Hollywood friends when Bobby joined the Trump administration.
It’s a weird life. One day she’s at a movie premiere, the next she’s attending a memorial for a conservative activist or sitting through a grueling Senate hearing.
✨ Don't miss: Finding the Perfect Donny Osmond Birthday Card: What Fans Often Get Wrong
Insights for the Curious
If you’re looking at the question of is Robert Kennedy married because you’re trying to figure out the man himself, here’s the takeaway: his personal life is as complicated as his public one.
- He’s a survivor of scandal: Very few political figures could survive the "diary" revelations or the "sexting" rumors and still hold a high-level government position.
- Hines is his anchor: Without her, his image would likely be much harsher. She brings a sense of relatability and humor to a brand that can often feel heavy or conspiratorial.
- The "Blended" Factor: With seven children between them, their family life is a logistical jigsaw puzzle.
If you want to keep up with the latest on this, the best bet is to look for Hines' own words in her memoir or her infrequent but blunt interviews. She seems to be the one person willing to tell the truth about what it’s really like behind the closed doors of the Kennedy-Hines household.
To get a better sense of their daily life, check out Hines' recent appearances on late-night talk shows or her social media, where she occasionally shares the "unfiltered" side of being a political spouse in D.C.
Next Steps: If you are interested in the broader impact of the Kennedy family, you might want to look into the "MAHA" policy updates or the current status of the other Kennedy siblings who have publicly distanced themselves from Bobby’s political path.