RFK Jr.'s Marriage to Cheryl Hines Nearly Ended Over Cheating Scandal, Biographer Claims

Investigative reporter details RFK Jr.'s tumultuous relationships in new book 'RFK, Jr.: The Fall and Rise'

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:36pm

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A cinematic painting of a solitary political figure sitting alone in a dimly lit office, the warm sunlight casting dramatic shadows across the room, capturing the melancholy and introspection of a life in the public eye.A new biography delves into the personal struggles of a high-profile political figure, exposing the challenges of balancing public service and private life.NYC Today

According to a new biography, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s marriage to Cheryl Hines nearly ended over his 2024 sexting scandal with journalist Olivia Nuzzi. Investigative reporter Isabel Vincent alleges that RFK Jr. didn't want to jeopardize his Cabinet position by filing for divorce a third time.

Why it matters

The book explores RFK Jr.'s evolution from an addict with trauma over his father's assassination to a leader of the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement and member of President Donald Trump's Cabinet. It also delves into his tumultuous personal relationships and alleged affairs, which have continued to make headlines.

The details

The book, 'RFK, Jr.: The Fall and Rise,' claims that after the Olivia Nuzzi scandal in 2024, Cheryl Hines 'barely spoke' to RFK Jr. and the marriage was 'almost the end.' However, the couple presented a united front in interviews, and in her 2025 memoir, Cheryl wrote that they had worked through their issues. According to the biographer, RFK Jr. tried to make it up to Cheryl because he felt he couldn't be in the presidential Cabinet and have another divorce, as that would have been his second divorce filing.

  • In September 2024, journalist Olivia Nuzzi was put on leave by New York magazine after she 'engaged in a personal relationship' with RFK Jr., whom she was covering during his short-lived presidential campaign.
  • The following month, a source told PEOPLE that Cheryl had 'barely spoken' to RFK Jr. following the news going public.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

A member of President Donald Trump's Cabinet and leader of the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, who has had a tumultuous personal life including two previous marriages that ended in divorce.

Cheryl Hines

Actress and Curb Your Enthusiasm star, who has been married to RFK Jr. since 2014 and has faced the challenges of being in the public spotlight as the wife of a politician.

Olivia Nuzzi

A journalist who was put on leave by New York magazine in 2024 after 'engaging in a personal relationship' with RFK Jr. while covering his presidential campaign.

Isabel Vincent

An investigative reporter and the author of the new biography 'RFK, Jr.: The Fall and Rise.'

Mary Richardson

RFK Jr.'s second wife, who died by suicide during their divorce proceedings in 2012.

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What they’re saying

“The relationship was never physical but should have been disclosed to prevent the appearance of a conflict. I deeply regret not doing so immediately and apologize to those I've disappointed, especially my colleagues at New York.”

— Olivia Nuzzi

“One would deduce that we love each other and are still married and whatever we've been through is behind us.”

— Cheryl Hines

“I've been married to Bobby for over a decade, and I've done a lot of press in my day. And nobody ever asked me about my husband until now. So it's just different. I've had to pivot a little bit to be ready to answer questions.”

— Cheryl Hines

“Oh my gosh, he's not going to run for president in 2028.”

— Cheryl Hines

The takeaway

This book provides an in-depth look at the personal life and political career of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., highlighting the challenges he has faced in his relationships and the impact his high-profile positions have had on his family.