Rosemary Forbes Kerry

Rosemary Forbes Kerry is a French-born American philanthropist, environmental advocate, and the wife of former United States Secretary of State and Senator John Kerry. A member of the prominent Forbes family, she has been involved in numerous charitable and advocacy organizations, particularly focusing on climate change, public health, and the arts. Her public role expanded significantly during her husband's tenure as Secretary of State from 2013 to 2017, where she accompanied him on diplomatic missions worldwide and hosted events at the Harry S. Truman Building.

Early life and family background

Rosemary Forbes was born in Paris to Paul Forbes, an American diplomat and member of the Forbes family, and his French wife, Micheline de la Chevardière de la Grandville. She spent her early childhood in France and Spain before her family moved to the United States, settling in New York City. The Forbes family is historically known for its association with Forbes magazine and its significant American business and publishing legacy. She was educated in Switzerland at the Institut Le Rosey before attending the University of Geneva. She later earned a master's degree in Romance languages from Harvard University, where she was a teaching fellow in the French department.

Marriage and family

In 1995, she married John Kerry, then the Junior Senator from Massachusetts, in a ceremony at Nantucket. This was Kerry's second marriage, following his divorce from Julia Thorne. She became stepmother to Kerry's two daughters from his first marriage, Alexandra Kerry and Vanessa Kerry. Together, they form a blended family that includes her three children from her previous marriage to David Thorne: André Heinz, Chris Heinz, and a daughter. The family maintains residences in Boston, Washington, D.C., and on Nantucket Island. Her daughter, Dr. Vanessa Kerry, is a prominent global health specialist and World Health Organization advisor, while her stepson-in-law, Chris Heinz, is a businessman and co-founder of Rosemont Capital.

Philanthropy and advocacy

Her philanthropic work is extensive and primarily channeled through the Heinz Family Philanthropies and the John Kerry and Teresa Heinz Kerry foundation (prior to her marriage). She has served on the boards of several major institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the New England Conservatory, and the World Wildlife Fund. A dedicated environmentalist, she has been a longtime advocate for climate change mitigation and ocean conservation, often collaborating with organizations like the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Defense Fund. Her advocacy also extends to public health, supporting initiatives related to cancer research and women's health through associations with the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute and the Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Public appearances and role

As the spouse of the 68th United States Secretary of State, she played a visible role in the Obama administration's diplomatic corps. She frequently accompanied Secretary Kerry on official travels, including trips to China, India, Israel, and throughout Europe and the Middle East. At the Harry S. Truman Building, she hosted numerous events for visiting dignitaries, diplomatic spouses, and cultural exchanges, often focusing on cultural diplomacy and educational exchange programs. She was also a participant in major international forums, such as the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris and the Our Ocean Conference.

Later life and legacy

Following her husband's departure from the State Department in 2017, she has continued her philanthropic and advocacy work, maintaining a lower public profile. She remains active with the Heinz Family Philanthropies and various environmental boards. Her legacy is intertwined with her long-term support for environmental policy, the arts in Boston, and her role in modernizing the public image of the Secretary of State spouse to include substantive policy advocacy. She and John Kerry continue to reside primarily in Boston and are involved in the activities of the Kerry Initiative at Yale University.

Category:American philanthropists Category:Spouses of United States secretaries of state Category:Forbes family Category:1941 births Category:Living people