Why Does RFK Jr. Sound Have a Raspy Voice? Spasmodic Dysphonia Explained

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s (RFK) gravelly voice has caught people’s attention, particularly in his recent public speaking engagements. Although many have observed this distinctive trait, the underlying reason is a medical condition called spasmodic dysphonia.

In this article, we’ll explore what spasmodic dysphonia is and how it affects Kennedy’s voice.

Why does RFK Jr. sound like that?

RFK Jr.’s voice, which some may recognize as having a distinctive and gravelly tone, has long been a topic of interest due to its unusual character. The source of this distinct quality is spasmodic dysphonia, an uncommon neurological disorder that triggers involuntary spasms in the muscles used for controlling the vocal cords. This leads to a voice that may seem hoarse, tremulous, and at times hard to comprehend.

For many years, Kennedy has openly shared about the difficulties he faces due to his condition. In a 2023 interview on NewsNation, he recounted how his voice, once robust and clear, started changing at the age of 46. Initially, he was unaware of what was causing the problem, but others suggested it could be spasmodic dysphonia. Kennedy described, “My voice was incredibly strong until I turned 46. It was remarkably strong…It causes my voice to quiver. At that time, I didn’t understand what was happening to it.” He was formally diagnosed with the condition in 1996.

In a 2024 interview with the Los Angeles Times, Kennedy Jr. confessed that he finds his own voice unpleasant to hear and even empathizes with those who have to endure it. He put it this way: “My voice never gets tired, it just sounds awful.” However, he clarified that the problem is neurological, and speaking helps to improve it. Additionally, he shared that although he wishes his voice sounded nicer, he has learned to accept the condition.

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2025-01-30 11:40