Insights from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Secret Diary
In a hidden diary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. expressed his frustrations about his tumultuous sex life with his second wife. He grappled with what he termed the “devil of desire,” revealing a persistent craving for “more” despite seemingly having it all.
The diary excerpts, unearthed in a biography titled RFK Jr.: The Fall and Rise by Isabel Vincent, provide a glimpse into the complex relationship between Kennedy and Mary Richardson Kennedy—who tragically took her own life in 2012 as their divorce approached.
Written around 2001 and kept by Richardson as a sort of safeguard, the diary surfaced amid the couple’s contentious divorce proceedings.
In one poignant entry, Kennedy acknowledged the numerous blessings in his life—like a loving family, health, and a fulfilling job—but admitted he continually sought something that he couldn’t quite grasp. “No matter how much I have, I want more!” he emphasized, repeatedly underlining the word “more.”
He also alluded to the struggles they faced in intimacy during their 18-year marriage, stating, “Our bed is an unkind place.” Communication was sparse, limited mainly to discussions of her daily schedule, leaving him feeling isolated.
The diary was obtained by Vincent a year after Richardson’s passing, and people close to her pointed to her husband’s infidelity as a contributing factor to her depression. A source claimed, “He definitely gaslit her,” suggesting he dismissed her feelings and accused her of being irrational.
Although the timeline of when Richardson realized her husband’s infidelity isn’t clear, she remained dedicated to her role as a wife. One source involved in her treatment remarked, “She was 200 percent invested in being his wife,” emphasizing her deep commitment to the lifestyle that came with being part of the Kennedy family.
Following Kennedy’s announcement that he intended to divorce her on Mother’s Day in 2010, Richardson faced legal troubles, being arrested twice for drunk driving. In the days that followed, she reportedly revisited her husband’s diary, trying to find solace in the notion of having been married to a “chronic female friend.”
Ultimately, she tragically took her own life at their home in Westchester County, just as their divorce proceedings were still unresolved, amid conflicts over child custody and other issues.
Kennedy later married actress Cheryl Hines in 2014, following the devastating loss. The biography is set to be released on April 14th.
If you or someone you know is grappling with similar issues, consider reaching out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
