Cheryl Hines Breaks Silence On Mother-In-Law Ethel Kennedy's Death
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on October 10, 2024 at 1:33 PM EDT
Updated on October 10, 2024 at 1:54 PM EDT
"Curb Your Enthusiasm" star Cheryl Hines has broken her silence amid Ethel Kennedy's passing.
The activist and widow of Robert F. Kennedy, passed away at 96, according to the family’s statement. Kennedy, known for her dedication to social causes while raising her 11 children as a widow, suffered a stroke on October 3rd. Her grandson, John Kennedy III, took to social media to reveal that she had the stroke while asleep, which led to her hospitalization before her passing.
Hours after Ethel Kennedy passed away, her daughter-in-law and wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Cheryl Hines, released a statement.
Cheryl Hines Releases Statement Following Mother-In-Law's Death
In a post shared on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, Cheryl Hines shared:
"My mother in law, Ethel Kennedy, Bobby's mother, passed this morning. It has been my great honor to have shared laughter and love with Ethel. Her charisma, wisdom and strength will live on with me in every memory of her. Bobby and I spent many warm nights in Hyannis Port having dinner with her and hearing stories from her extraordinary life. She always made me laugh. She was never too serious except when she needed to be. She dressed to nines with bare feet. She will be missed. My love is with the family."
Hines' statement came shortly after Kennedy's family shared the news with AP News.
Social Justice Activist Ethel Kennedy Dead At Age 96
On Thursday, it was reported that social activist Ethel had passed away.
"It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our mother Ethel Kennedy," the announcement read. "She died this morning from complications related to a stroke suffered last week."
"Along with a lifetime's work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly," the statement added. "Please keep her in your hearts and prayers."
Ethel was hospitalized on October 8 after suffering a stroke while asleep, according to her family.
President Joe Biden Releases Statement Following Ethel Kennedy's Passing
After the news broke, President Joe Biden, who said that Robert F. Kennedy was "one of my heroes," sent his thoughts and prayers to the family.
"Ethel Kennedy was an American icon – a matriarch of optimism and moral courage, an emblem of resilience and service," President Biden said in a statement Thursday. "Devoted to family and country, she had a spine of steel and a heart of gold that inspired millions of Americans, including me and Jill. We were blessed to call her a dear friend."
"For over 50 years, Ethel traveled, marched, boycotted, and stood up for human rights around the world with her signature iron will and grace," Biden added. "May God bless Ethel Kennedy, a dear friend, and a great American."
Who Was Ethel Kennedy?
Ethel married Senator Robert F. Kennedy in 1950, and they remained together until his tragic death in 1968. Senator Kennedy was fatally shot at the Ambassador Hotel, with his wife by his side at the time of the assassination.
In 2014, President Barack Obama presented Ethel with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
"She's an emblem of enduring faith and enduring hope even in the face of unimaginable loss and unimaginable grief," Obama said during the White House ceremony, per ABC. "And she has touched the lives of countless people around the world with her generosity and grace."
Ethel Kennedy Was The Mother To Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
She was the mother of Robert F. Kennedy Jr, who is married to actress Hines--though rumors have spread that their marriage is on the rocks after cheating allegations surfaced.
On Thursday, September 19, reports surfaced about an alleged "personal relationship" between former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and journalist Olivia Nuzzi, following an announcement from New York Magazine regarding Nuzzi's leave of absence.
The note to readers explained that Nuzzi was placed on leave after engaging in a personal relationship with a subject related to the 2024 campaign. A source familiar with the situation told CNN that the subject in question was Kennedy.
The magazine stated that the relationship violated its conflict-of-interest and disclosure policies, adding that had they been aware, Nuzzi would not have been allowed to continue covering the presidential campaign
