Cheryl Hines feared RFK Jr could be shot during presidential campaign: 'Still worried about it'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Cheryl Hines, actress and wife of Robert F Kennedy Jr, has revealed her fears for her husband’s safety during his presidential campaign, saying she was “very worried” he could be shot like his father and uncle.

Speaking on 'CBS Mornings' on October 7, Hines opened up about the pressures of being a political spouse and the unique dangers her family faced due to historical assassinations in the Kennedy family.

Cheryl Hines recounts how she struggled with anxiety

Cheryl Hines recounted how she struggled with anxiety when RFK Jr launched his campaign in April 2023, highlighting the absence of Secret Service protection early in his run. “From the moment he announced he was running, I knew our lives would never be the same. I found it stressful that Bobby didn't get Secret Service protection, I was concerned about his safety and I think every day somebody would say to me, 'Are you worried about him getting shot like his father and like his uncle?' And I was. I was very worried about it,” she told CBS News host Natalie Morales.

She recalled the historical context of her concerns, noting that Robert F Kennedy was assassinated in 1968 while running for president, and his uncle, President John F Kennedy, was assassinated in 1963. These family tragedies contributed to her heightened anxiety over RFK Jr’s campaign.

Although Cheryl did not publicly voice her own political stance, she supported Robert F Kennedy Jr’s presidential ambitions, emphasizing his principle-driven approach.

“Bobby and I, we're able to disagree on things. I mean, sometimes we have heated discussions, but we always come back around to, 'I hear what you're saying.' I understand how people feel like, 'We have to do it. Do not question it. If that's what's coming down from the government, let's trust that.' I understand that,” Hines said.

She also showed her backing when Kennedy later endorsed Donald Trump in August 2024 after suspending his independent campaign and when he assumed the role of Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Despite political disagreements and the polarizing nature of her husband’s views on COVID, vaccines, and other topics, Hines maintained her personal support for him.

Continuing fears and family tensions

Cheryl Hines admitted that her worries for RFK Jr’s safety persist. “I'm still worried about it. I don't think Bobby tells me all of the threats he gets if I'm being honest,” she said, highlighting the ongoing stress she faces as a political spouse.

She also described the challenges arising from his clashes with medical experts, scientists, and even members of the Kennedy family due to his controversial positions. “It was hard. I found it to be hard. I always thought the Kennedy family, one of their virtues was that family came first, and I admired that. So when some of his family decided to attack him publicly, it was disappointing,” Hines added.

Her remarks paint a vivid picture of the personal toll of political life, particularly for spouses of high-profile figures, and underscore the lingering impact of the Kennedy family’s historical tragedies.