Tig Notaro Reveals Silence from Cheryl Hines After Husband’s Presidential Bid
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/cheryl-hines-tig-notaro-112025-1-cb8f2a8ae44741a1b5f18fea536d195e.jpg)

Comedian Tig Notaro recently opened up about the apparent end of her friendship with actress Cheryl Hines following her husband’s presidential bid. On a recent episode of her podcast, Handsome, Notaro discussed how Hines, who she described as a “bright spot” in her life, seemed to drift away after the announcement of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s campaign.

Notaro shared her feelings about the situation, stating, “I didn’t sever the friendship, but I did notice that once he was running for president and once I stepped away from our old podcast, I never heard from her again.” This revelation comes after Notaro previously mentioned the estrangement on the Breaking Bread with Tom Papa podcast, expressing sadness over losing the friendship due to political differences.
During the Handsome podcast episode, Notaro delved deeper into the dynamics of her relationship with Hines, highlighting the significance of their friendship and the impact of Kennedy’s political views on their connection. She emphasised that there were certain beliefs endorsed by Kennedy that she did not align with, insinuating a rift in their friendship caused by differing ideologies.
Despite attempts to maintain a friendly connection by reaching out with messages of care and support, Notaro admitted that the communication was largely one-sided. She expressed concern for Hines but noticed a lack of reciprocal effort from her end, especially after stepping back from their shared podcast project.
The unfolding of events leading to the disintegration of their friendship included a lengthy conversation where Hines encouraged Notaro to engage with Kennedy on various issues, a suggestion that she ultimately declined. Kennedy’s subsequent endorsement of President Donald Trump further strained Notaro’s ties to Hines, prompting her to reassess their relationship and distance herself from the political affiliations of her friend’s spouse.
As Kennedy pivoted from his presidential bid to other roles in the political arena, including a controversial appointment as the secretary of health and human services, Notaro made it clear that she prioritised maintaining her own beliefs and boundaries. She underscored the importance of separating herself from the political landscape that Hines and Kennedy were navigating, acknowledging that their paths diverged significantly.
In light of the evolving circumstances and the absence of communication from Hines, Notaro expressed a sense of closure regarding their friendship. While she continues to care for Hines, she recognises the need to move forward independently and uphold her values, even if it means parting ways with a once cherished connection.
The story of Notaro and Hines serves as a reminder of how personal beliefs and political affiliations can impact relationships, highlighting the complexities of maintaining connections amid diverging viewpoints. It sheds light on the challenges individuals face when navigating friendships that are tested by external influences and differing convictions.
Ultimately, Notaro’s candid reflections offer a glimpse into the complexities of friendship and the importance of staying true to one’s principles, even if it means letting go of a valued bond. As she navigates this chapter of change and introspection, Notaro’s story resonates with those who have experienced the shifting dynamics of relationships in the face of conflicting allegiances.
The tale of Tig Notaro and Cheryl Hines serves as a poignant narrative of personal growth, resilience, and the inevitable evolution of connections in a world where beliefs and values can create unexpected divides. It underscores the significance of staying true to oneself, even when faced with the dissolution of cherished friendships due to external circumstances beyond one’s control.
