In a heartfelt comment on social media, Cheryl Hines expressed admiration for her late mother-in-law, Ethel Kennedy, amidst a turbulent time in her marriage with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. following a publicized sexting scandal.
According to the New York Post, the tribute surfaced shortly after allegations intensified concerning RFK Jr.’s fidelity, marking a poignant moment in the ongoing controversy involving political reporter Olivia Nuzzi.
Ethel Kennedy, the matriarch of the Kennedy family and mother to Robert F. Kennedy Jr., passed away at the age of 96. Many mourned her death, including her large family, which comprised 34 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, highlighting her role as a central figure in the extended Kennedy clan.
Shortly after her passing, Robert Kennedy Jr. honored his mother’s rich and influential life by posting a tribute on Instagram. He recalled the sheer joy Ethel Kennedy brought to every moment, her enduring humor, and her longing to reunite with her late husband. The grieving son shared reflections on her vibrant life and the deep impact she had on those around her.
In reply to this tribute, Cheryl Hines, married to RFK Jr. since 2014, left a comment underscoring the pride Ethel Kennedy felt toward her son. “This is beautiful. Your mother was very proud of you,” Hines wrote, publicly displaying support for her husband during this challenging time.
Cheryl also shared personal tributes to Ethel on her own social media pages, including a video where she and Ethel were serenaded by singer Melissa Etheridge. This personal touch added a layer of intimacy to the public interactions within the Kennedy family, showcasing the strong bonds despite recent scandals.
Amid these tributes, news broke out about a sexting scandal involving Robert Kennedy Jr. and Olivia Nuzzi, a political reporter. This scandal reportedly led to significant tension between Hines and Kennedy, testing the strength of their marriage as communication issues surfaced.
Robert Kennedy Jr. publicly denied having an intimate relationship with Nuzzi, stating that he had met her only once for an interview that later turned contentious. His campaign further clarified that the engagement was strictly professional, though it resulted in unfavorable media coverage.
This denial came against the backdrop of allegations pointing to Kennedy's supposed involvement with multiple women. These claims sparked further scrutiny, particularly from anti-vaccine group circles where Kennedy has been a prominent figure. Despite the accusations, Kennedy maintained that he remained faithful to Hines since their marriage.
Adding to the complex dynamics, Olivia Nuzzi was put on leave from New York Magazine following the revelations. The scandal also affected Nuzzi personally; her ex-fiance Ryan Lizza confronted her about the affair with Kennedy, leading to a no-contact order against him.
The personal fallout from the scandal was visible when Cheryl Hines was spotted not wearing her wedding ring during an outing in Malibu. This detail did not go unnoticed by the public, adding to speculations about the current state of her marriage with Kennedy.
Despite these personal challenges, Hines has continued to engage publicly, sharing memories and expressing nostalgia for her times with Ethel Kennedy. “We spent many warm nights in Hyannis Port having dinner with her and hearing stories from her extraordinary life,” she reminisced.
This series of events underscores the complexities of a public life intertwined with personal tribulations. As the Kennedy family mourns the loss of a beloved matriarch, they simultaneously navigate the turbulent waters of public scandal and media scrutiny, each member handling the challenges in their unique way.
The legacy of Ethel Kennedy, as celebrated by her family, comes at a time of personal tests and public trials for the Kennedys. The enduring charisma, wisdom, and strength of the Kennedy matriarch continue to resonate, offering a beacon of continuity amid change. Cheryl Hines’ public expressions of admiration and respect for Ethel Kennedy not only contribute to preserving this legacy but also reflect the ongoing affection and reverence within the Kennedy family, even as they face these public difficulties.
