Tig Notaro Reflects on Cheryl Hines Fallout Over RFK Jr.

Notaro stepped away from their podcast due to political differences with Hines' husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Comedian Tig Notaro has opened up about the end of her friendship with actress Cheryl Hines, her former co-host on the "Tig and Cheryl: True Story" podcast. Notaro said she had to step away from the podcast in 2023 due to her disagreements with Hines' husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and his rising political profile during his presidential campaign. Notaro faced heckling at her comedy shows over her association with Kennedy, and ultimately realized Hines no longer reciprocated their friendship, despite Notaro's efforts to stay in touch.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges that can arise when personal and political differences strain long-standing friendships, especially in the public eye. It also touches on the impact that a public figure's controversial views and actions can have on those around them, even if indirectly.

The details

Notaro and Hines co-hosted the "Tig and Cheryl: True Story" podcast from 2020 to 2023. However, Notaro decided to step away from the show as Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign gained momentum, saying his views conflicted with her own. Notaro also faced heckling at her comedy shows due to her association with Kennedy Jr., with audience members yelling "Bobby is crazy." Despite Notaro's efforts to maintain their friendship privately, she eventually realized Hines was no longer reaching out to her, leading Notaro to accept that their friendship had ended.

  • From 2020 to 2023, Notaro and Hines co-hosted the 'Tig and Cheryl: True Story podcast'.
  • In May 2023, Notaro left the podcast.
  • In December 2023, Hines and her new co-host Rachael Harris stopped recording the podcast.

The players

Tig Notaro

A comedian who co-hosted the "Tig and Cheryl: True Story" podcast with Cheryl Hines from 2020 to 2023.

Cheryl Hines

An actress who co-hosted the "Tig and Cheryl: True Story" podcast with Tig Notaro from 2020 to 2023. She is married to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services under the Trump administration, who ran for president in 2023. His political views and rising profile led to the end of Notaro and Hines' friendship.

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What they’re saying

“My friendship with her predated Bobby. There were things that he thought and felt that I didn't agree with, but he didn't have the platform he got during the pandemic.”

— Tig Notaro, Comedian (The Best People with Nicolle Wallace)

“I was telling Cheryl, I know it's a small percentage that pushes back online or yells out at shows, but I was like, 'Man, this is not my world. I don't do this. I don't want to be a part of this.' And she was like, 'I understand,'”

— Tig Notaro, Comedian (The Best People with Nicolle Wallace)

“I had to shake myself out of denial that, 'Oh, she's gone,' and, 'OK, I need to let this go. I need to let it go.'”

— Tig Notaro, Comedian (The Best People with Nicolle Wallace)

The takeaway

This story highlights the challenges that can arise when personal and political differences strain long-standing friendships, especially in the public eye. It serves as a reminder that even close relationships can be tested by diverging beliefs and the impact of a public figure's controversial views.