Maria Shriver has been a household name for decades, for multiple reasons.

She eventually went on to become the first lady of California when her husband became governor.

The Kennedy family is as large as it is complicated, so how exactly is Shriver related to them?

Caroline Kennedy, Maria Shriver smiling

Let’s find out as we go inside Maria Shriver’s relationship with her Kennedy cousins.

The Washington Postalso reported on the 450-guest soiree, stating that Shriver had a whopping nine bridesmaids.

“Caroline has been Maria’s harshest critic, saying, ‘Don’t do it, Maria.

Maria Shriver with her wedding party

Don’t be a fool.

Once a cheater, always a cheater,'” reported a source.

Had Kennedy been a supporter of the action star, perhaps things would have worked out differently.

Caroline Kennedy, Maria Shriver sitting, smiling

As if that one tragedy wasn’t enough, more untimely deaths have occurred over the years.

Throughout it all, Maria Shriver has been there for her cousins on the darkest of days.

In 2021, Shriver detailed the importance of their friendship in a post she shared toInstagram.

Maria Shriver, brothers carrying a casket

All three are smiling from ear to ear, clearly delighted to be together.

Shriver explained in the caption, “These two!

They are everything to me.

Maria Shriver as a young girl with her cousins

I never had a sister, but these two have made up for that.”

It’s not the first time that Shriver has gushed about her relatives.

As if there was ever any doubt as to the closeness of this dynasty.

Maria Shriver, her Kennedy cousins

She went on to detail that the cute photo made her “feel joy.

Joy that I’m still so close to her and Caroline.”

It seems like this dynasty was built for heartache, so how has it impacted them?

Needless to say, this shared trauma may have had an impact on Shriver’s relationship with her cousins.

After all, they all grieved the same losses and had experienced the same good memories together.

Millions of people are grieving things that happened years ago or decades ago, or just moments ago."

It was a truly heartfelt description of someone who clearly meant a great deal to her.

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