Who Is the 59-Year-Old Woman Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Fell in Love with After His Wife's Tragic Death?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. once exchanged vows in a wedding ceremony held on the water. Years later, a devastating loss struck his family, drawing national attention. Eventually, he found love again with a woman who grew up sharing a bed with her mother.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was once married to a woman who had been part of his life for years. Their marriage faced challenges, and what followed became the focus of public attention.

Later, he formed a new relationship with someone from a very different background. Her early life was far from the privilege and recognition of the Kennedy name.

A Marriage That Began with Promise

In April 1994, a 40-year-old Kennedy married a 34-year-old Mary Richardson aboard a boat on the Hudson River near Stony Point, New York. The ceremony followed a Roman Catholic Mass and was officiated by a New York State Supreme Court justice.

Friends and family, including Robert's two children from his previous marriage to Emily Black, attended the wedding. It was followed by a picnic on a research vessel for Hudson Riverkeeper, an environmental organization where Robert worked as an attorney.

At the time of their wedding, Mary was pregnant with their first child, who was born in July 1994. An architectural designer, Mary had been close to the Kennedy family for years. She was a longtime friend of Kerry Kennedy, Robert's sister, and served as her maid of honor in 1990.

Over the years, the couple welcomed three more children while Mary dedicated herself to raising them. She also oversaw the renovation of their Bedford, New York, home.

She famously transformed it into an energy-efficient, environmentally sustainable residence. Despite their shared interests, their marriage eventually faced difficulties. By 2010, Robert had filed for divorce.

A Troubled Relationship and Personal Struggles

Robert and Mary were married for 16 years before the divorce filing. However, legal records show that their divorce was never finalized. Around the same time, Mary's personal struggles became increasingly public, drawing media attention.

She had long battled substance abuse, and on May 15, 2010, she was arrested for driving under the influence after police saw her car jump a curb near their Bedford home. A breathalyzer test showed her blood alcohol level was 0.11%, above the legal limit of 0.08%, leading to a suspended license.

Later that year, she faced another charge related to driving under the influence of prescription drugs. The case was dismissed in July 2011 when a judge ruled that she was unaware the medication she had taken would impair her ability to drive.

Despite these legal troubles, those close to Mary spoke highly of her character. Robert's mother, Ethel Kennedy, described her as a devoted mother who cared for her children through lifelong battles with serious allergies.

Her sister-in-law, Kerry, praised her as a compassionate and loyal confidante. Neighbors who knew Mary also spoke of her kindness, with one recalling that she was always warm and community-oriented.

Mary Kennedy's Tragic Passing

On May 16, 2012, Mary was found dead in a barn behind the family's Bedford, New York, home. The Westchester County Medical Examiner later confirmed that she had died from asphyxiation by hanging. A person familiar with the case confirmed that she had left a note, though its contents were not disclosed to the public.

Following the news of her death, Mary's family released a statement describing her as a "radiant and creative spirit." They remembered her as a devoted mother, a gifted architect, and a passionate advocate for sustainable design.

Robert's chief of staff also issued a statement on behalf of the family, highlighting her gift for friendship and her dedication to her children.

Mary's passing was another devastating loss for the Kennedy family, who had endured decades of public tragedies. Robert's father, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, was assassinated in 1968, just five years after his brother, President John F. Kennedy, was killed in Dallas.

More recently, Robert's cousin John F. Kennedy Jr. died in a plane crash in 1999, along with his wife, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and her sister, Lauren Bessette. Mary's death added to the long history of sorrow within the family, leaving her children, friends, and the public in mourning.

In the years following Mary's death, Robert continued his environmental and political work, but his personal life eventually took a new turn. He found love again with a woman whose life had been shaped by a vastly different upbringing.

A New Chapter: Robert Finds Love Again

While Robert's public life remained focused on policy and activism, his personal life eventually took a new direction. He found companionship with Cheryl Hines. Known for her role as Larry David's wife on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm," Cheryl had built a successful career in television and film.

Cheryl's life had been vastly different from Robert's. Born in 1965 in Miami Beach, Florida, she was raised in Tallahassee in a working-class family. When her parents divorced during her freshman year of high school, her brother took the only spare bedroom in their two-bedroom house.

That left Cheryl to share a room and a bed with her mother. Despite financial struggles, she pursued acting, studying at the Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles. It is in this theater where she learned improvisational comedy under the guidance of Lisa Kudrow.

Her dedication paid off when she landed a breakthrough role on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," leading to a successful Hollywood career. Though they came from vastly different worlds, Robert and Cheryl's relationship deepened over time.

A Wedding at the Kennedy Family Compound

Robert and Cheryl married on August 2, 2014, at the Kennedy family compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. The ceremony was a private gathering attended by close friends and family, including Robert's mother, Ethel. However, their wedding nearly took place somewhere far less grand.

Cheryl later shared that she and Robert originally planned to have a simple civil ceremony at City Hall. When she told Ethel about their plans, Ethel asked, "Well, don't you want to get married here so we can all be a part of it?"

After a long conversation, Cheryl agreed to hold the wedding at the family estate, making it a more intimate and meaningful event for their loved ones. Unintentionally, Cheryl's choice of wedding dress also had a connection to the Kennedy family.

She selected a strapless, pearl-beaded Romona Keveza gown, not realizing that the design was inspired by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis' signature style. The ceremony itself had its share of memorable moments, including an unexpected interruption when Ethel's dog ran into the tent and walked down the aisle ahead of Cheryl.

With their wedding, Cheryl officially became part of one of America's most famous families. As the years passed, she and Robert built a life together, reaching an important milestone a decade later.

A Decade of Marriage and Public Admiration

In August 2024, Cheryl and Robert celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary. Marking the occasion, Cheryl shared a heartfelt post on social media, reminiscing about their wedding day and the people who were there to witness it.

She went on to describe the moments that made their day special. The 59-year-old former actress shared that she danced with her father, her brother Chris, and her niece and nephew, Saoirse and Michael — people she held dear, some of whom had since passed away.

Reflecting on their decade together, Cheryl expressed gratitude for Robert and the life they had built. "You have given me a life I could've never imagined, full of love, laughter, joy, and adventure," she wrote. "In my darkest hours, you bring me light. I love you."

Beyond her marriage, Cheryl maintains an active presence on social media, where fans often admire her beauty and charm. In a post featuring her photo, followers flooded the comments with praise. "Omg you are so beautiful 😍," one person wrote, while another added, "You've always been a beautiful woman."

A decade after their wedding, Cheryl and Robert continue to share their lives, balancing their public roles with their private moments. In 2025, Robert's career took a turn when he was confirmed as the next Secretary of Health and Human Services in a 52-48 vote.

As he steps into a new chapter in public service, Cheryl remains by his side, supporting him as he takes on yet another high-profile role.

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