RFK Jr. Moved Ex-Wife's Remains Without Family's Knowledge

A new biography reveals Kennedy relocated Mary Richardson Kennedy's burial site after her initial interment.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:51pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a single, weathered gravestone standing alone in a shadowy cemetery, the stone unmarked and bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of unresolved personal and family histories.The quiet, solitary gravestone at the edge of the cemetery where Mary Richardson Kennedy was ultimately laid to rest, a somber reminder of the complex family dynamics and personal tragedies that have long haunted the Kennedy dynasty.Manhattan Today

According to an upcoming biography, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. moved the remains of his second wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy, from the Kennedy family plot to an unmarked grave at the edge of the cemetery without her family's knowledge or consent. Mary died by suicide in 2012 while the couple's divorce was pending.

Why it matters

This revelation raises questions about the Kennedy family's handling of Mary's death and burial, as well as the ongoing tensions between the Kennedy and Richardson families. It also sheds light on the personal struggles of RFK Jr. following the loss of his wife.

The details

The book RFK, Jr.: The Fall and Rise by investigative journalist Isabel Vincent states that after Mary's initial burial next to Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery in Massachusetts, Kennedy later had her remains exhumed and reburied in an unmarked plot on the edge of the cemetery. Mary's family was unaware of this relocation.

  • Mary Richardson Kennedy died by suicide in May 2012.
  • Kennedy filed for divorce from Mary in May 2010, and the case was still pending when she died.
  • Mary was initially buried next to other Kennedy family members in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery.
  • Several days later, Kennedy had Mary's remains moved to an unmarked plot on the edge of the cemetery.
  • Mary's coffin was exhumed and reburied 700 feet away two months after the initial burial.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The son of former U.S. Attorney General and Senator Robert F. Kennedy, who was Mary Richardson Kennedy's second husband.

Mary Richardson Kennedy

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s second wife, who died by suicide in 2012 while the couple's divorce was pending.

Isabel Vincent

The investigative journalist who authored the upcoming biography 'RFK, Jr.: The Fall and Rise'.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s aunt, who was buried in the same cemetery as Mary Richardson Kennedy.

Sargent Shriver

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s uncle, who was also buried in the same cemetery as Mary Richardson Kennedy.

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What they’re saying

“We were unaware of this, and we were not informed about it.”

— Patricia Hennessey, Richardson family's lawyer

“I know Bobby well enough to know that Mary's suicide is a weight he will carry for the rest of his life. That's going to haunt him.”

— Former close friend of Kennedy

What’s next

The upcoming biography 'RFK, Jr.: The Fall and Rise' by Isabel Vincent, which includes details about the relocation of Mary Richardson Kennedy's remains, is set to be released on April 14, 2026.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities within the Kennedy family, as well as the personal struggles faced by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. following the tragic loss of his wife. It raises questions about the family's handling of Mary's death and burial, and the impact it has had on all involved.