What is wrong with RFK Jr.'s voice? Inside Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s battle with spasmodic dysphonia

What happened to RFK Jr.’s voice, and why is it raspy? Learn all about spasmodic dysphonia and how AI can help those with voice conditions.

What is wrong with RFK Jr.'s voice? Inside Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s battle with spasmodic dysphonia

In the realm of American politics and activism, few names resonate as strongly as Robert F. Kennedy Jr. However, his once-commanding voice has been affected by a neurological condition called spasmodic dysphonia. Here’s everything you need to know about spasmodic dysphonia, and how AI voice cloning and voice overs help people with voice conditions.

About Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a former New York City attorney as well as activist and author. As the son of former U.S. attorney general and Senator Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of President John F. Kennedy (JFK), Robert Kennedy Jr. has been a key figure in Democratic politics for decades. Aside from his famous family, he’s most known in the political sphere for his views on vaccines and dedication to environmental issues. As of April 2023, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. also announced his run for president in 2024.

RFK Jr.’s presidential campaign

While he comes from one of the most powerful political families, RFK Jr. is having a difficult time getting his presidential campaign off the ground.

In a speech delivered in New Hampshire on March 3, 2023, Kennedy revealed he was considering running for president, joking, "I am thinking about it. I've passed the biggest hurdle which is that my wife has greenlighted it."

By April 5, 2023, Kennedy officially entered the race and filed to seek the Democratic nomination in the 2024 presidential election, making him the fifth Kennedy to run for president of the United States.

While he was initially preparing to run against President Joe Biden for the Democratic ticket and rival Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, on October 9, 2023, RFK. Jr. announced he was running as an independent candidate.

During a recent CNN interview, Kennedy said he is considering seeking the Libertarian Party nomination to ensure he can appear on the ballot in all 50 states and D.C. 

Why is RFK Jr.'s voice raspy?

RFK Jr.'s once-resonant and strong voice has evolved into a distinctive rasp, raising questions among observers. The key factor behind this change is spasmodic dysphonia, a neurological condition affecting the muscles controlling the vocal cords.

What is spasmodic dysphonia?

Spasmodic dysphonia is a neurological disorder that impacts the larynx, otherwise known as the voice box. It results in involuntary spasms of the vocal cords, causing interruptions in speech and leading to a strained or raspy voice. Spasmodic dysphonia is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a malfunction in the basal ganglia, a part of the brain responsible for motor control.

Causes of spasmodic dysphonia

The exact causes of spasmodic dysphonia remain elusive, but research suggests a combination of genetic and environmental factors may contribute to its development. Certain risk factors, such as family history, trauma to the larynx, and neurological diseases, may increase the likelihood of developing this voice disorder.

Signs of spasmodic dysphonia

Individuals with spasmodic dysphonia may exhibit symptoms such as a strained or strangled voice quality, difficulty initiating speech, and disruptions in the flow of speech. The severity of symptoms can vary, with some experiencing intermittent difficulties while others face persistent challenges.

When was RFK Jr. diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia?

In a recent interview with Piers Morgan, RFK explained he was diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia in his forties after an injury.

“I had a very very strong voice until I was 42 years old,” he said. “In 1996, I had an injury that caused a neurological disorder called spasmodic dysphonia. And it made my voice like this – I cannot listen to my voice. When I go home I will not listen to this program,” he explained.

Communication challenges of spasmodic dysphonia

Spasmodic dysphonia can significantly impact one's quality of life, both personally and professionally. Challenges in communication may lead to frustration, social isolation, and difficulties in maintaining professional relationships.

For someone like RFK Jr., whose voice has been a powerful tool in advocacy, the condition poses unique obstacles in delivering impactful messages when he’s doing interviews on networks like CBS and ABC News or hosting town halls. In the past, Kennedy has spoken to Oprah about how people mistake his voice for being upset, causing women to think he’s sensitive but leaving men open to thinking he’s overly emotional.

In a recent town hall, RFK Jr. explained his raspy voice to the audience and apologized to those that have to listen to him because he cannot stand the sound of his voice. He also told NewsNation, “I think it makes it problematical for people to listen to me.”

Common questions about spasmodic dysphonia

Some common questions people often wonder about RFK Jr.’s voice include the following:

Is spasmodic dysphonia painful?

While Spasmodic Dysphonia itself is not physically painful, the effort to speak and the strain on the vocal cords can cause discomfort and fatigue. Individuals with this condition often experience frustration and emotional distress due to the challenges in expressing themselves verbally.

Can spasmodic dysphonia be cured?

There is no known cure for spasmodic dysphonia, but various treatment options can help manage symptoms and improve vocal function. The goal is typically to enhance communication rather than eliminate the condition entirely.

How is spasmodic dysphonia is diagnosed?

Diagnosing spasmodic dysphonia involves a thorough examination by a speech-language pathologist or an otolaryngologist. The evaluation may include a review of medical history, vocal function tests, and, in some cases, imaging studies of the larynx.

What is the life expectancy for someone with spasmodic dysphonia?

Spasmodic Dysphonia does not affect life expectancy, as it primarily impacts vocal function and communication. Individuals with this condition can lead full and healthy lives with appropriate management and support.

Is spasmodic dysphonia progressive?

Spasmodic dysphonia is generally considered a non-progressive neurological disorder, meaning that it does not worsen over time in a linear fashion. For example, Robert Kennedy Jr.’s voice will not get weaker with time.

“My voice actually doesn’t get weaker when I use it, it gets stronger. Because it’s not a tissue injury. My vocal chords are very very strong. It’s just that the neurological signals that are being sent are telling them to tighten up all the time, and it makes my voice gravelly but – I can talk 20 hours a day and my voice won’t wear out. So I’m not worried about that. But I don’t like the way it sounds, and I apologize to everybody,” Kennedy explained on Piers Morgan Uncensored.

Treatment options for spasmodic dysphonia

Several treatment options exist for managing spasmodic dysphonia, including surgical interventions, botulinum toxin injections, and voice therapy. Let’s break down each:

Surgical options

In some cases, surgical procedures may be considered to alter the function of the vocal cords or nerves controlling them. However, these interventions are typically reserved for severe cases and may have associated risks.

Botox injections

A common and effective treatment involves injecting botulinum toxin (Botox) directly into the affected muscles of the larynx. This temporary paralysis helps alleviate spasms and improve vocal quality. Regular injections are often necessary to maintain the desired effect.

Voice therapy

Speech therapy, focusing on techniques to control the muscles involved in speech production, can be beneficial for individuals with spasmodic dysphonia. Techniques may include breath support, pitch modification, and stress reduction.

Has Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had treatment for his voice?

RFK Jr. told Piers Morgan he has explored various options to address his voice disorder, including surgery, which has helped his voice improve and get stronger.

“You know, went over with my wife, Cheryl Hines, to do surgery in Kyoto, Japan, eight months ago and it made my voice a lot more reliable. And I’m doing a bunch of alternative therapies that I think are making it a lot stronger. So we’ll see what happens,” he said in an interview in July 2023.

Other voice conditions

Spasmodic dysphonia is just one of many voice disorders that individuals may experience. Conditions such as laryngeal dystonia, vocal cord paralysis, Reinke's edema, laryngeal papillomatosis, and other neurological diseases can also impact vocal function. Each of these can make it a struggle to speak or contribute to alterations in voice pitch and tone.

Speechify Voice Over Studio: AI voice overs for those with spasmodic dysphonia & other speech disorders

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((( Note I left out the term anti-vaccine because I imagine that would only harm your google ranking due to Google’s fight against anti-vaccine information))

FAQ

What happened to Robert Kennedy Jr.'s voice?

Robert Kennedy Jr. developed spasmodic dysphonia a neurological disorder which causes his vocal cords to involuntary spasm and strain his speech, causing his voice to sound raspy.

How tall is Robert Kennedy Jr.?

Robert Kennedy Jr.’s height is 6′ 1”.

How many grandchildren does Ethel Kennedy have?

Ethel Kennedy has 33 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren

How old is Robert F. Kennedy Jr.?

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was born on January 17, 1954, which makes him 70 years as of 2024.

What is the name of Robert Kennedy Jr.'s daughter?

Robert Kennedy Jr. has two daughters named Kathleen Alexandra Kennedy and Kyra Kennedy, as well as four sons, Conor Kennedy, Bobby Kennedy III, Aiden Caohman Vieques Kennedy, and William Finbar Kennedy.

Who is Robert Kennedy Jr.'s mother?

Robert Kennedy Jr.'s mother is Ethel Kennedy.

Who is Robert Kennedy Jr.'s wife?

Robert Kennedy Jr.'s wife is actress Cheryl Hines.

What is Robert Kennedy Jr.'s net worth?

Robert Kennedy Jr.'s net worth is estimated to be around $15 million. However, that’s including the assets of his wife, actress Cheryl Hines.