Andrew Cuomo's Public Romances: From Political Power Couple with Kerry Kennedy to Long-Term Love with Sandra Lee

Andrew Cuomo, the former Governor of New York, has navigated a prominent political career alongside a public romantic life that has often garnered significant media attention. His relationships, primarily with Kerry Kennedy and Sandra Lee, have unfolded in the public eye, marked by periods of intense scrutiny and personal milestones. Cuomo's romantic journey reflects the challenges of maintaining private connections under the constant glare of political and celebrity spotlights.

His early romantic life remained largely private, with a strong focus on his burgeoning political career, often intertwined with his father, Mario Cuomo's, political pursuits. This dedication to public service seemingly kept serious romance on the back burner during his younger years. However, his entry into a high-profile relationship would soon place his personal life firmly in the public domain.

Andrew Cuomo's first major public relationship was with Kerry Kennedy, daughter of the late Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, linking him to one of America's most iconic political families. The couple met through Kennedy's involvement with the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Human Rights, an organization that resonated with Cuomo's own non-profit work. Their engagement was announced in mid-February 1990, with Cuomo reportedly proposing on Valentine's Day.

Their wedding, held on June 9, 1990, at St. Matthew’s Cathedral in Washington, D.C., was a significant event, blending two powerful political dynasties. The marriage brought three daughters: twin girls Cara Ethel Kennedy-Cuomo and Mariah Matilda Kennedy-Cuomo, born in 1995, followed by Michaela Andrea Kennedy-Cuomo in 1997. Despite the public image of a power couple, tensions reportedly arose early in their marriage.

According to reports, Kerry Kennedy sought marriage counseling as early as the second year of their union, but Cuomo's intense focus on his work reportedly made it difficult. A New York magazine article once described their marriage as "something deeply impersonal. Parallel orbits," highlighting a perceived disconnect. The couple's marital issues escalated, leading to their separation in 2003 and subsequent divorce in 2005.

The split was widely reported, with some sources suggesting that Cuomo's all-consuming career contributed to the marital breakdown and that Kerry felt burdened by the full load of parenting. Reports from the time indicated a bitter divorce, with allegations that Cuomo's camp engaged in tactics to discredit Kennedy. The end of this high-profile marriage marked a significant personal transition for Cuomo.

Following his divorce, Andrew Cuomo began a new chapter in his romantic life with Sandra Lee, a well-known Food Network host and lifestyle expert. The two met at a party in the Hamptons in 2005, the same year his divorce was finalized. Lee, who had also been previously divorced, quickly became a significant presence in Cuomo's life and that of his three daughters.

The relationship with Lee was long-term, lasting for 14 years. They moved in together in 2011, establishing a shared home in Westchester County. Lee played a supportive role in Cuomo's life, particularly during his tenure as Governor, and was noted for helping to raise his daughters, with Cuomo expressing gratitude for her care and support for his children. > "I quickly fell in love with her," Cuomo wrote in his 2014 memoir. "Why she got involved with me I don't know. I was not much of a catch. But Sandy was. Smart, successful, and gorgeous... more than a catch, Sandy was a godsend."

Despite the longevity and public nature of their relationship, Cuomo and Lee never married. Questions about a potential proposal were often posed by the media, with Lee publicly stating patience, emphasizing that "kids come first." However, a friend of Cuomo's reportedly claimed he cited being a divorced Roman Catholic as a reason he felt he could not remarry. This stance contrasted with reports that Lee desired marriage, with one former friend claiming she was "so determined to get hitched that she even had a picture of the ring she wanted."

A notable period in their relationship was in 2015 when Lee was diagnosed with breast cancer. Cuomo remained by her side, offering support during her double mastectomy and recovery, a rare public display of his personal vulnerability. He reportedly took time off his demanding gubernatorial duties to be with her. > "I wanted to protect and shield her, but the best I could do in that moment was reassure her that everything would be okay," he told People magazine.

Their relationship officially ended in September 2019, announced through a joint statement. The couple stated that their lives had "gone in different directions" and their romantic relationship had evolved into a "deep friendship." The breakup came amidst rumors of the relationship deteriorating, with some reports suggesting Lee felt like an "accessory" in his political life. The split marked the end of another significant public romance for Cuomo.

Since his separation from Sandra Lee, Andrew Cuomo has maintained a largely private romantic life, particularly after his resignation as Governor in 2021 amidst sexual harassment allegations. Publicly, he has indicated being single, joking about being "on the prowl" after his breakup with Lee. As of recent reports, he is currently single, focusing on potential future political endeavors. His romantic history, though limited to two major public relationships, has been deeply intertwined with his high-profile career, reflecting the complexities of personal life in the public sphere.