**New Biography Reveals Insights into RFK Jr.’s Marriage and the Tragic Death of Mary Richardson Kennedy**
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A forthcoming biography by investigative journalist Isabel Vincent titled *RFK, Jr.: The Fall and Rise* delves into the tumultuous relationship between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his second wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy, as well as the events leading up to her tragic suicide in 2012. The book, set for release on 14 April, provides a comprehensive look at their troubled marriage, revealing personal struggles and family rifts.
Mary Richardson Kennedy, who married RFK Jr. in 1994, faced numerous challenges in her life, particularly in light of her husband’s public persona and the turmoil within their relationship. Just days after Kennedy filed for divorce in 2010, Mary was arrested for driving while under the influence. According to Vincent’s research, Mary had hoped to prevent the divorce and maintain custody of their children. In coping with her deteriorating situation, she turned to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and immersed herself in RFK Jr.’s diaries, seeking understanding and reassurance about their nearly 20-year marriage.
The distressing events culminated on 16 May 2012, when Mary was found dead by hanging in the couple’s barn at their Bedford, New York home. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a close friend discovered her body. Following the tragic incident, Mary’s sister expressed profound anguish, reportedly telling RFK Jr., “You have killed my sister,” a reflection of the family’s deep-seated fears regarding his perceived insensitivity to her struggles.
Mary was initially interred in Saint Francis Xavier Cemetery in Centerville, Massachusetts, alongside prominent family members. However, just days later, her remains were relocated by RFK Jr. to an unmarked grave at the cemetery’s edge, a move that further shocked the Richardson family.
In the aftermath of Mary’s death, her family sought answers by hiring a private investigation firm, including a former homicide detective, to explore lingering “unanswered questions” surrounding the circumstances of her suicide. The investigation focused on critical details, such as the source of the rope used and Mary’s knowledge of tying knots. It also scrutinised RFK Jr.’s actions and interactions with his estranged wife leading up to her death.
Despite the family’s efforts, the investigation did not uncover new information, effectively ruling out the possibility of a wrongful death lawsuit. Nevertheless, friends of RFK Jr. have stated that he is burdened by the memory of Mary’s suicide, which continues to weigh heavily on him, especially in light of his new relationship with actress Cheryl Hines, whom he began dating during his separation from Mary.
A close friend of RFK Jr. remarked, “I know Bobby well enough to know that Mary’s suicide is a weight he will carry for the rest of his life. That’s going to haunt him.” This sentiment reflects the ongoing emotional toll the tragedy has taken on him.
*RFK, Jr.: The Fall and Rise* draws from over a decade of Vincent’s research, exploring not only the couple’s personal struggles but also RFK Jr.’s battles with addiction and his complex family legacy, rooted in the tragic assassination of his father in 1968.
The biography aims to offer a nuanced perspective on both Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Mary Richardson Kennedy, shedding light on their vulnerability amid the pressures of public life. Pre-orders for the book are now available at various retailers, leading up to its anticipated release later this month.
As discussions around mental health continue to evolve, Vincent’s work also serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing emotional distress and challenging societal stigmas. For anyone struggling with mental health issues, support is available through various helplines, including 988, which offers 24/7 assistance for those in need.