RFK Jr.’s Father-Son Dynamic with JFK’s Best Friend, Lem Billings: From Getting Groomed for the Presidency to Exploring Heroin

A new biography sheds light on the tumultuous relationship between Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Lem Billings, a longtime friend of the Kennedy family who stepped into a surrogate paternal role following the tragic assassinations of RFK Jr.’s father and uncle. The book, titled *RFK Jr.: The Fall and Rise*, reveals the complexities of their bond, exploring themes of ambition, mentorship, and shared struggles with addiction.

Lem Billings was a close childhood companion of President John F. Kennedy, so much so that he was considered a part of the family. Joe Kennedy, the family patriarch, referred to him as “another son,” and he even had his own bedroom in the White House. After the death of Robert F. Kennedy Sr. in 1968, Billings became a significant figure in the life of the young Kennedy heir, guiding him through a challenging adolescence marked by instability at home and multiple expulsions from prestigious schools.

According to Isabel Vincent, the author of the biography, Billings introduced Bobby to the world of adventure, whisking him away on trips that sought to replace the paternal guidance he had lost. During one notable journey to Africa, they formed deep bonds, and Bobby’s interest in nature was reportedly nurtured, leading to lucrative deals with magazines like *Life*. The relationship evolved over time, with Billings allegedly introducing Bobby to drugs, including heroin, which would complicate their connection.

The young RFK Jr. faced difficulty at home, where his mother, Ethel, struggled with anger management and often expelled him from their Hyannis Port home. In this chaotic environment, Billings positioned himself as a mentor and became a confidant, continually reinforcing the legacy of the Kennedy family and the notion that Bobby was destined for greatness. However, this insistence on legacy placed substantial pressure on him, with one of Bobby’s friends describing Billings as a “strange guy” who imposed a “cruel” burden on the teenage Kennedy.

While Billings attempted to mentor Bobby, he was also dealing with his own declining health and issues related to drug addiction. The biography details Billings’s struggles and how these were reflected in his lifestyle, including his later years spent in a cluttered apartment that served as a haven for both reflection and substance use. Billings, who was once a champion wrestler, became increasingly frail, but his addiction to heroin persisted, and he was described as being “stoned out of his mind” during his last years.

As Bobby grew older, Billings’s influence remained strong, although Bobby ultimately did not fulfil the desired trajectory of becoming the next Kennedy president. In fact, during his uncle Ted Kennedy’s 1980 presidential campaign, Billings reportedly played a minimal role, due in part to deteriorating health and ongoing issues with drugs.

The book also touches on the tragic history of addiction that has plagued the Kennedy family, and Billings was not the only one to struggle with substance abuse alongside RFK Jr. Vincent highlights the struggles Bobby faced, having also been deeply affected by the overdose of his brother David, who died at a young age due to addiction.

In her powerful commentary on her cousin, Caroline Kennedy emphasised Bobby’s charismatic nature and its potential for both attraction and danger, suggesting that those around him have also been influenced by his reckless tendencies. Her poignant remarks illuminate a generational struggle with addiction within the Kennedy lineage.

Billings struggled with his own addiction until his death in May 1981. He left behind a complex legacy, characterised by both his deep bond with Bobby and the darker aspects of their shared experiences. At Billings’s funeral, Bobby paid tribute to him as “a father to me” and “the best friend I will ever have,” underscoring the depth of their connection.

*RFK Jr.: The Fall and Rise*, published on April 14, explores not just the relationship between Billings and RFK Jr. but also the broader narrative of the Kennedy family’s triumphs and tragedies. The biography has stirred conversations about legacy, leadership, and the impact of addiction on renowned families throughout history.

For individuals facing similar struggles with addiction, help is available. The SAMHSA helpline can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP for those in need of support.