RFK Jr.’s Wife Speaks Out on Kennedy Family Split: 'It Was Hard'

A Difficult Divide

Actress Cheryl Hines has spoken publicly about the tensions between her husband, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and his relatives, describing the family conflict as “disappointing.” In an interview with "CBS Mornings" on Tuesday, Hines reflected on the public split within one of America’s most famous political families.

“It was hard. I found it to be hard,” Hines told anchor Natalie Morales, when asked about witnessing the rift over politics. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“Family Came First”

Hines, best known for her role on "Curb Your Enthusiasm," said she had long admired the Kennedys’ emphasis on unity.

“I always thought the Kennedy family, one of their virtues was that family came first, and I admired that,” she said. Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Hines Says Family’s Public Criticism of Kennedy Was “Disappointing”

However, she expressed disappointment at the public criticism some family members have directed toward Kennedy since his entry into politics.

“So when some of his family decided to — there’s no other way to say it — attack him publicly, it was disappointing,” said Hines, who married Kennedy in 2014. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Family Criticism and Political Differences

Several members of the Kennedy family have voiced strong opposition to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s political stances. Caroline Kennedy, U.S. Ambassador to Australia and daughter of President John F. Kennedy, condemned her cousin’s vaccine skepticism last year, calling his views “dangerous.”

“Our family is united in terms of our support for the public health sector,” she said at the time. “Bobby Kennedy has got a different set of views.” United States Department of State / Wikimedia

Kennedy to Appear Alongside Cousin Patrick Kennedy Despite Family Rift

Despite those divisions, Kennedy is expected to appear at a Wednesday event in Washington with his cousin former Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.), who recently called him “the leader we need.” Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Family Letter of Reproach

In 2023, four of Kennedy’s relatives — Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Rory Kennedy, Kerry Kennedy, and Joseph Kennedy II — publicly denounced his independent presidential bid in a joint statement.

“Bobby might share the same name as our father, but he does not share the same values, vision or judgment… We denounce his candidacy and believe it to be perilous for our country,” they wrote. THOMAS CORDY/THE PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Hines Reveals Ethel Kennedy Was Surprised by Family’s Opposition to Her Son’s Campaign

Hines said the letter came as a shock even to Kennedy’s mother, Ethel Kennedy.

“Bobby told her that he was running for president, and she told him she was proud of him and then asked, ‘Who of the siblings are working on your campaign?’” Hines recalled. “And he said that they’re not working on it and some are opposing him. And she was very surprised.” Kevin R. Wexler/NorthJersey.com

Personal and Professional Fallout

The actress also revealed that the political turmoil has affected her personal friendships.

“I have a few friends, when Bobby stepped into the political arena, it became too difficult emotionally for them to stay close,” she said. “And I understand it.” Jack Gruber-USA TODAY

Hines Jokes That Larry David "Can’t Love" Kennedy Joining Trump’s Cabinet

When asked about "Curb Your Enthusiasm" creator Larry David’s opinion on Kennedy joining President Trump’s Cabinet, Hines laughed.

“That’ll be a question for Larry,” she said, adding, “Let’s be honest — he can’t love it.” Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images