Actress Cheryl Hines has offered a brief and restrained message of support to her husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., following the death of his mother, Ethel Kennedy, at age 96. In response to Kennedy’s heartfelt Instagram tribute to his late mother, Hines commented, “This is beautiful. Your mother was very proud of you,” followed by a white heart emoji—a minimal message that has only fueled rumors of a strained relationship following reports of Kennedy’s alleged affair with political journalist Olivia Nuzzi.
Kennedy, in his post, shared how his mother passed away surrounded by friends and family, recalling her resilience and joy for life despite the tragedy that marked her years, including the assassination of her husband, former Attorney General Bobby Kennedy. He poignantly noted her lifelong yearning for reunion with her husband, painting a picture of a life filled with love and loss.
In contrast, Hines posted her own tribute to Ethel, focusing on her late mother-in-law’s wisdom and charisma. Notably, Hines expressed her love for “the family” as a whole rather than a direct expression to her husband, leading many to speculate about the couple’s current dynamic. Last week, Hines and Kennedy were seen together in public for the first time since reports of his alleged affair with Nuzzi surfaced, a situation reportedly blindsiding the actress and casting uncertainty on their decade-long marriage. Friends close to Hines have reportedly suggested that she may be considering filing for divorce.
Despite recent appearances, observers noted Hines was without her wedding ring, while Kennedy continued to wear his. Close friends of Hines have hinted that the actress, who has stood by her husband amid the controversies surrounding his political views and support for Donald Trump, may be nearing a breaking point.
In the meantime, the Kennedy family has united in mourning Ethel’s passing, sharing memories and tributes. Her daughter Kerry posted a picture of her Massachusetts home under a vibrant sunset, captioning it, “Mum’s spirit shining on our home this evening,” as family and friends continue to celebrate the legacy of a matriarch remembered as both a nurturer and a force of nature.
