Oct 15, 2025
3 min read
In her memoir "Unscripted," Haynes reflects on her relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., her new role in Washington and why humor helps her deal with everything.
Cheryl Hines on marriage to Robert Kennedy Jr. and life in Washington: 'I don't think I'll ever get used to being a political wife'
Actress Cheryl Hines may be best known for her role opposite Larry David on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm," but these days, she's navigating a very different spotlight, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.As the wife of the Secretary of Health and Human Services.
"I don't think I'll ever get used to being a political wife. The government wife," Hines told CBS News' Natalie Morales.
He's talking about it in his new essay, “where he thinks about his unplanned journey from Hollywood to Washwood and Washwon Work.
Hines moved to Washington earlier this year when Kennedy joined President Trump's cabinet as secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.It was David, her longtime collaborator, who introduced her to Kennedy.The couple got married in 2014.
In 2023, Hines supported her husband's campaign, but the incident caused her to worry about her safety.He also said that Kennedy did not receive immunity after launching his 2024 campaign in April of that year.
Hines said she often worries about his safety because of the Kennedy family's history.Kennedy's father, Sen. Robert F.Kennedy was assassinated in 1968 during his own presidential campaign - his uncle, President John F.Kennedy, just five years after he was killed in Dallas while riding in a motorcade.
Navigate the debater's conversation
Those concerns have intensified as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has become a prominent critic of the coronavirus and vaccines, but Hines said the differences have not strained the relationship.
"I'm definitely the one who has all the feelings and he wants to talk to the students," Not really Community, "Hinar."Dadan and I, we don't agree on things. I mean, sometimes we've had discussions, but we always come back to: 'I hear what you're saying'."
When asked about her stance on vaccines, Hines didn't say where she stands on the debate, but said she sees both sides of the issue.
"I understand how people feel: 'We will do this.'There is no doubt about it. If that is what comes from the government, let's trust it. I will understand that. "Then the mothers were understood, the parents spoke to me personally and said, 'My child is different after the vaccination.'Let's listen to the people.Let's listen to the parents.Let's listen to doctors, hearing science, science."
Kennedy clashed with some of the doctors and scientists who worked for him. Including members of his own family, his cousin Caroline Kennedy has publicly criticized his comments about vaccines as "dangerous" and "unqualified."
"It was hard. It was hard for me," Hines said of the family feud."I always thought one of the strengths of the Kennedy family was that they put family first, and I admired that. So some of his family decided to publicly attack him, which was disappointing."
Find humor in politics
Hines said he relies on humor to handle his new role.
"I just felt like I knew what I was doing until someone said, 'Don't get hot.Kurt is not needed at the moment," Petua said.
Political events affected Hines' relationship with Hollywood.
He said that I have few friends, when Bobby entered the political arena, it became very difficult for them to be close emotionally, only a few friends."And I understand."
When asked what David thinks about Kennedy joining Trump's Cabinet, Haines responded that that might be a question for David.
He said, "Let's be honest: she can't love him.
Hines said she made friends in Washington, including several spouses of other cabinet members, and recalled that Kennedy once suggested seclusion to protect her from public criticism.
"I don't see what, how that helps," Hines said."But I understand what he's saying. I appreciate it."
Their devoted family - his daughter and six children from two previous marriages - supported him during the difficult period, including those who opposed some of the Kennedy brothers who opposed his bid for the presidency.
Hines, or Kennedy's mother, Ethel Kennedy, surprised the family.
"Bobby told her that "Bobby told her they were running for president, and she was proud of her and asked, 'Which of her brothers is working on your campaign?'" And she said they are not working on it and on her. And he was very surprised.
Political violence and progress
Hynes and Kennedy attended a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk after his murder, and said the dangerous political climate was threatening.
Asked what needs to be done to lower the political temperature, Hines said, "I think everyone needs to take a step back, listen to each other, and find that place where it's okay to disagree with someone. It's good to surround yourself with people who don't think the same way you do. But instead of hating someone for it, take a minute to understand why they think that way."
This philosophy even helped in his own marriage.
"We're very close. I love spending time with him. I love him. I love our family and our kids. It's not always going to be easy, but we also know that not everyone is going to like what you say, what you do, and that's okay too. That's just okay. That's life," she said.
"Unscripted" is available for pre-order and will be released on November 11.
