Emily Ruth Black, born on October 15, 1957, in Bedford, Indiana, is an American lawyer best known as the first wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a prominent environmental lawyer and member of the Kennedy political family. Her life has been marked by her legal career, her role within the Kennedy family, and her dedication to her children.
Early Life and Education
Emily was born to Thomas Black and Helen Armstrong. Growing up in Bedford, she was instilled with values of hard work and dedication by her parents. Her academic excellence and determination led her to pursue a career in law. She attended the University of Virginia School of Law, where she met Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Career
After earning her law degree, Emily worked as a lawyer for the Legal Aid Society, providing legal assistance to those unable to afford it. Her commitment to justice and public service was evident in her work. During this time, her then-husband, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., served as an assistant district attorney in Manhattan.
Marriage and Family
Emily married Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on April 3, 1982, in her hometown of Bloomington, Indiana. The couple had two children: Robert Francis “Bobby” Kennedy III, born on September 2, 1984, and Kathleen Alexandra “Kick” Kennedy, born on April 13, 1988.
Despite the prominence of the Kennedy family, Emily maintained a relatively private life, focusing on raising her children and supporting her husband’s career.
Divorce and Later Life
After a decade of marriage, Emily and Robert separated in 1992 and finalized their divorce on March 24, 1994.
Following the divorce, Emily continued her legal career and dedicated herself to her children’s upbringing. She has maintained a low public profile, with limited information available about her subsequent personal and professional life.
Net Worth and Real Estate
Estimates of Emily’s net worth range from $1 million to $5 million, reflecting her earnings from her legal career and possible settlements from her marriage.
Specific details about her real estate holdings are not publicly available.
Physical Attributes
Emily stands approximately 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs around 60 kilograms.
Her physical attributes have been noted in various biographical sources, though she has remained largely out of the public eye.
Legacy
Emily Ruth Black’s life reflects a commitment to public service, both through her legal work and her role within the Kennedy family. Her dedication to her children and her professional contributions highlight her resilience and strength. While she has chosen to live a private life, her story remains intertwined with a significant chapter of American history.