Cheryl Hines married Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in 2014, and more than a decade later, their marriage remains one of the most talked-about unions in the intersection of Hollywood and U.S. politics. As Kennedy’s political role grows more influential in 2025, the couple’s personal and public lives continue to draw intense interest. From the glamorous beginnings of their relationship to navigating scandals, family dynamics, and political responsibilities, their marriage is a story that blends loyalty, ambition, and scrutiny.
A Hollywood Star Meets American Political Royalty
Cheryl Hines, best known for her role as Cheryl David on HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, was already a respected comedic actress by the time she met Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Their introduction came through Larry David, Hines’s longtime co-star and friend. What began as a casual meeting soon turned into a romantic connection.
By December 2011, they were dating, capturing attention because their worlds were so different. Hines represented Hollywood’s creative energy, while Kennedy embodied one of America’s most prominent political dynasties. Their engagement in April 2014 and subsequent wedding on August 2, 2014, at the Kennedy Compound in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, symbolized the blending of two powerful spheres.
Their wedding drew major media coverage, attended by members of the Kennedy family and Hollywood figures alike. It wasn’t just another celebrity marriage—it was a union that tied Hines to a family whose legacy has shaped American politics for decades.
Previous Relationships and Blended Family Life
Before marrying Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cheryl Hines was married to Paul Young, a Hollywood talent manager. They tied the knot in 2002 and had one daughter, Catherine Rose Young, born in 2004. The couple divorced in 2010, and Hines raised her daughter while continuing her acting career.
Kennedy’s personal history was more complex. He was married twice before—first to Emily Ruth Black, with whom he had two children, and then to Mary Richardson Kennedy, with whom he had four more children. Mary tragically passed away in 2012.
When Hines joined the Kennedy family, she became part of a large, blended family dynamic with seven children between them. Over the years, she has often spoken about the challenges and rewards of balancing her career, motherhood, and being part of such a storied family.
Standing Beside Him in Politics: Public Appearances and Support
In January 2025, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, a major milestone in his political career. Throughout his confirmation hearings, Cheryl Hines was by his side, attending the sessions, smiling, and holding hands with him during high-pressure moments. Her presence was widely covered by the media, emphasizing her supportive role at a time when Kennedy’s policies and past statements were under intense scrutiny.
As his political influence grows, so does her visibility. Hines has appeared at government events, family gatherings, and public ceremonies alongside her husband. She’s transitioned from being known primarily as an actress to being recognized as the spouse of a high-ranking U.S. official—an adjustment that has required composure and adaptability.
The Olivia Nuzzi Controversy: A Major Test for Their Marriage
One of the most talked-about episodes in their marriage came in late 2024, when reports emerged alleging that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had exchanged personal and inappropriate messages with journalist Olivia Nuzzi. The story quickly dominated headlines, and speculation spread about the state of his marriage to Cheryl Hines.
Rumors circulated that the couple might be headed for a split. Social media amplified every development, and commentators debated whether the scandal would derail Kennedy’s political rise.
Cheryl Hines addressed the issue directly, denying any plans to separate or divorce. She also gave a rare interview in which she explained that while the situation was personally challenging, she wouldn’t allow every rumor to define her marriage. According to insiders, she gave Kennedy a clear ultimatum: move full-time to Washington, D.C., and focus on their life together, or risk losing her support.
This moment revealed not only the strain of public life but also Hines’s determination to set boundaries. She didn’t fade into the background; she took an active role in shaping how they moved forward as a couple.
Shutting Down Hines + Young: Personal Decisions in a Public Life
Cheryl Hines co-founded Hines + Young, a sustainable skincare and wellness brand, with her daughter. The brand focused on eco-friendly, cruelty-free products and had attracted a loyal following.
However, in 2025, Hines announced the closure of the business. The decision came amid her husband’s growing political responsibilities and her need to prioritize family and privacy. Shutting down the brand wasn’t just a business decision—it reflected the reality of her evolving role as the spouse of a top U.S. government official.
Balancing entrepreneurship, acting, motherhood, and political life had become increasingly difficult. Hines chose to focus on supporting her family and managing the pressures that came with heightened public attention.
Internal Kennedy Family Criticism and Public Pushback
Marrying into the Kennedy family meant stepping into a legacy that is both revered and controversial. Not all family members agree with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s political positions, especially his views on vaccines and public health.
In early 2025, following a measles outbreak in Texas that led to the death of a young child, one of Kennedy’s cousins publicly criticized Cheryl Hines for not denouncing her husband’s vaccine stance. Hines responded with visible frustration, questioning why she was personally targeted for his positions.
This exchange highlighted the difficult balance she faces: supporting her husband while managing her own public image and navigating family dynamics within one of America’s most famous political clans.
Media Perception and Public Scrutiny
Being in a high-profile marriage means constant media attention. Cheryl Hines and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are frequently photographed, discussed, and analyzed in tabloids, political talk shows, and online platforms. Every appearance, statement, and interaction is dissected for signs of marital strain or unity.
Unlike many political spouses, Hines has a career and identity of her own, which sometimes makes her treatment by the media different. She is seen not only as a political figure’s wife but also as a celebrity in her own right. Her ability to navigate Hollywood and Washington simultaneously gives her a unique public position.
Their Life Together Today
As of October 2025, Cheryl Hines remains married to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The couple continues to live between California and Washington, D.C., though much of their time is now spent in the capital due to Kennedy’s role in the Trump administration.
Their marriage has endured public scandals, political criticism, family conflicts, and the everyday pressures of raising a blended family. They continue to appear together at major events, often presenting a united front in the face of speculation.
Their story is not a simple celebrity romance or a standard political marriage. It’s a complex, evolving partnership that reflects the intersection of two powerful worlds.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Marriage Date | August 2, 2014 |
| Spouse | Robert F. Kennedy Jr. |
| Current Role of Spouse | U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (2025) |
| Hines’s Previous Marriage | Paul Young (2002–2010), one daughter |
| Controversies | Olivia Nuzzi texting scandal, vaccine stance criticism |
| Business Ventures | Hines + Young skincare (closed in 2025) |
| Current Status | Still married, living between D.C. and California |
Conclusion: A Marriage in the Spotlight
When people ask, “Who is Cheryl Hines married to?”, the answer goes beyond just a name. She is married to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—a man with a famous lineage, a complicated public image, and a growing political presence. Their marriage, now more than a decade strong, continues to evolve under the glare of public attention.
They have faced scandals, family disputes, and business changes, yet they remain together, navigating one of the most scrutinized marriages in American public life.
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